LINCOLN, Neb. -- Lincoln Police are investigating after a man reportedly broke into an apartment, assaulted a man and stole property.

LPD says that the apartment's resident reported an unknown man knocking on his door around noon on Wednesday.

The man reportedly kicked the door open, claiming he wanted to talk to the victim and repeatedly asked for a phone. The victim then ran to a bedroom, but was followed and punched several times in the torso, according to LPD.

The assailant then grabbed a seven-inch-long kitchen knife, swung it at the victim several times and continued demanding a phone, LPD Sgt. Chris Vigil said.

The victim received a minor cut on one of his fingers before he was able to escape from the apartment to call police. He reported that the victim took his cell phone and a Walmart gift card with an unknown balance remaining.

Officers arrived but were unable to locate the suspect. Authorities canvassed the area and processed the scene for evidence. 

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with helpful information is encouraged to call Lincoln Police at 402-441-6000 or Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600.