A masked gunman’s plan to rob a Brentwood deli last month was foiled by a brave employee who whipped out a machete and used the large knife to scare away the suspect.
Suffolk County police released surveillance video of the dramatic robbery attempt on Monday with the hope that someone would identify the suspect. Police are offering a $5,000 cash reward for any information that leads to an arrest.
The incident occurred on Sept. 25 at Stop & Shop Deli on Crooked Hill Road at approximately 8 p.m., police said. The masked gunman walked in through the front door and pointed a silver .22 caliber pistol at the employee standing behind the counter, police said.
The quick-thinking employee reacted, according to police, after the suspect fired a bullet that missed and hit a wall. The man behind the counter reached down and grabbed the machete, which he used to fend off the gunman. The suspect backpedaled out the front door as the employee continued to give chase.
The suspect was described as a young black man with a thin build and approximately 5-foot-10. He was wearing a gray mask, dark pants, black and white sneakers and a black-running style top with white stripes on the sleeves, police said. He was also carrying a black Air Jordan backpack, police said.
Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-220-TIPS.
