A tearful teenager appeared before a Buchanan County judge Friday to face a robbery charge that carries a maximum punishment of life in prison.

Kayron Keith is charged with robbery in the first degree, a class-a felony, for allegedly taking part in an armed robbery at the Quik-Stop convenience store at 2607 Frederick on May 22.  As we reported previously, the other suspect allegedly pointed a gun at the cashier, an Keith allegedly grabbed the money as it was being handed over by the clerk.

“The other subject had a gun.  The subject with the gun pointed the gun at the cashier and demanded money,” said Det. Greg Ogdahl with the St. Joseph Police Department in an affidavit.  “While the cashier was removing the cash from the cash register the suspect grabbed and pulled the money out of the hand of the cashier.” Ogdahl said.

The pair is accused of leaving the scene with the money in a stolen vehicle. Charges have not yet been filed against the second suspect.

Associate Circuit Judge Keith Marquart reduced Keith’s bail to $25,000, with $2,500 in cash and $22,500 by surety bond.  Keith remains in custody awaiting a preliminary hearing docket call July 5 at 11 am.