It happened at the Akshan Wine and Liquor store on Waverly Avenue in Holtsville around 7:45 p.m.
A man walked into the store and demanded money from the counter clerk with a fake gun.
The clerk fought back, and the would-be robber got away with nothing.
The employee suffered a minor injury and was treated at a local hospital.
Suffolk County Police are asking anyone with information to call the Sixth Squad at 631-854-8652 or Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS.
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