An armed teenager stormed into Woodbridge Pub in Detroit Friday night and began robbing patrons of their cell phones and money before he messed with the wrong person.

The teen, whose weapon turned out to be a BB gun, went from patron to patron demanding anything of value, employees at the Trumbull Street pub confirmed Saturday evening. Another teen stood as lookout.

The teens’ plans were thwarted when one patron refused to give up his wallet.

“The same gentleman grabbed the kids BB gun, kicked him in the jewels and chased him out the door,” Woodbridge Pub posted on its Facebook page. “Some people were scared and some phones will be replaced. I didn’t get a chance to thank the kick ass gentleman, but I’d like to shake his hand and buy him a few pops.”

The robbery is a potential setback for a neighborhood on the rise. With historic homes and public murals, Woodbridge has been attracting new, young and creative Detroiters.

But the pub’s response was one of resilience and determination.

“To my patrons who may have gotten a scare last night, I want to assure you that we will not be intimidated,” the pub posted on Facebook. “And to the wanna be thugs … if you had come to me in need, I would have given you more than what you got for a couple of swiped iPhones. And you could have kept your integrity as men.” Got tips or suggestions? Contact Steve at sneavling@gmail.com. Steve Neavling is an investigative journalist and former city hall reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Living on the city’s east side, Neavling explores corruption, civil liberties and the underbelly of an oft-misunderstood city. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for daily updates, investigations and photos of Detroit.