Police said a caller dialed 911 Sunday night from the mall parking lot after he was attacked by a man carrying a 25-inch blade.
The victim continued to update dispatchers on the suspect's location. Officers said within about 10 minutes, they found the attacker and the machete, which was hidden nearby.
They arrested Robert Hopkins Jr., 19, on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.
Police said they lost contact with the victim and are still searching for him.