Frequent customer decides to rob store; caught by police across the street from the crime

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - The manager of a gas station convenience store couldn't believe it when a frequent customer pulled a gun.

He tried to get the man to put away the gun, but the robber made sure the manager knew he was serious about his intentions.

The suspect, 21-year-old Carlos Colston, allegedly whacked the manager in the head with the handgun and yelled that he wasn't kidding.

The manger grabbed his own gun and squeezed off a shot at Colston.

No one was hit in the gunfire.

The violent scene played out Sunday about 12:30 p.m. inside Troost Market at East 80th Street and Troost Avenue.

An employee put cash on the counter and police say that's when Colston grabbed the money and ran outside.

But instead of running away, police said, he yelled at people in the parking lot and came back into the store.

He left again, yelled at people in the parking lot  and barged into the store a second time.

Police say Colston finally ran to an apartment across the street and that's where police arrested him.

Colston has been charged with robbery and armed criminal action.