Giacomo Bologna

Springfield News-Leader

When a customer raised a maroon towel to his face, police say a Springfield gas station manager grew suspicious.

The customer allegedly raised his shirt to show a gun a tucked in his waistband.

But police say the manager had already drawn his 9-millimeter handgun.

By the time officers arrived at the gas station at about 1 a.m. on Dec. 9, the would-be robber was lying face down on the ground while the manager held him at gunpoint, court documents say.

The incident is described in a probable cause statement used to charge Anthony Hetherington, 18, with first-degree attempted robbery.

According to the statement, the gun tucked into Hetherington's waistband turned out to be a BB gun.

The statement said the attempted robbery took place at the Fast 'N Friendly at 427 S. Glenstone Ave.

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After his arrest, Hetherington told investigators that he was smoking marijuana with a friend before deciding to walk to a nearby gas station with the BB gun, the statement said.

Police allegedly found $120 in cash, two baggies believed to contain marijuana and a glass pipe in his pocket.

Court records show Hetherington posted his $15,000 bond. He does not have an attorney listed in online court records.

Attempts to reach the manager were unsuccessful.