BEAR — Delaware State Police are investigating the robbery of a Bear-area grocery store that occurred at approximately 1 p.m. on Friday afternoon.

Delaware State Police spokesman Senior Cpl. Jason Hatchell said La Morena, at 757 Pulaski Highway, reported a knifepoint robbery to authorities. The investigation determined a male entered the grocery store and confronted an employee behind the sales counter. The suspect displayed a large kitchen knife and removed an undisclosed amount of money from the cash register. The suspect then allegedly entered a small drawer below the register and removed cashier checks.

The suspect fled on foot eastbound toward Pulaski Highway. The employee gave chase, which caused the suspect to drop his phone. The employee picked it up, but gave it back after the suspect engaged the victim again, brandishing the knife, according to authorities. The suspect then ran to a black sedan parked in the rear of the business and fled the scene.

State police said the employee was not injured.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Kirchenbauer of Troop 2 Robbery Unit by calling 302-365-8525. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppers.com