SAN DIEGO -- A would-be robber smacked a Normal Heights barbershop employee in the face with a toy shotgun Wednesday afternoon when the victim refused to hand over money, authorities reported.

The thief, who appeared to be in his late teens, entered the business in the 3500 block of Adams Avenue shortly before 4 p.m., pointed the phony weapon at the worker and demanded cash, according to San Diego police.

The employee refused to comply, prompting the youth to hit him with the toy before fleeing on foot, SDPD Sgt. Rich Nemetz said.

The victim's injuries were minor, the sergeant said.