A would-be Winnipeg robber got caught by his conscience.

A 44-year-old man tried to rob a gas bar in the 700 block of Keewatin Street in the city's Tyndall Park neighbourhood at about 2 a.m. Wednesday.

He told the clerk he had a weapon and demanded money, according to police. But when the clerk refused, the man fled in a vehicle.

Police were called and while they were at the scene investigating, the man returned to apologize to the clerk and was arrested on the spot.

The man was charged with robbery and is being held at the Provincial Remand Centre.