Copiague Subway restaurant robbery investigated as part of string on Long Island

COPIAGUE, Long Island (WABC) -- The robbery of a Copiague Subway store is under investigation to determine if it is linked to an ongoing string of robberies on Long Island.

A man walked into a Subway March 20, displayed a machete, demanded cash and fled, according to the Suffolk County Police Department. He ended up stealing $500.

"We're investigating it as part of the pattern, just based on the description of the subject," Suffolk Detective Lt. Shaun Spillane said Wednesday. "And he had a machete."

A holdup at a Subway fast-food restaurant in Carle Place Tuesday also has been linked to the pattern.

"He has a big knife and he told me, 'Give me the money.' And I said, 'OK, just relax,'" said Jawald Kahn, manager.

As the suspect was leaving though, something interesting happened.

"He take all the money. When he go, he dropped the money on the floor. He picked up all the money and he said, 'Have a good day,'" Kahn said.

A total of six robberies or attempted robberies are all potentially linked to one suspect. The incidents began on February 15th when he hit a Dunkin Donuts and a Carvel on the same day in Nassau County.

In each incident, the suspect covers his face or wears a mask. In the first three, he carried a machete; the last two involved a knife.

Police are urging employees to comply and remain calm if confronted.

"There's always a concern when an individual does a repeated robbery over and over again, that person does become more comfortable with his surroundings and what he's doing. That's why we ask the victim to comply," police said.