STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) Stamford police have charged an 18-year-old man with stealing $169 from a 12-year-old boy who intended to use the money to buy sneakers.

Police tell the Stamford Advocate the boy was with a friend outside a shoe store at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday waiting for it to open when the teen approached and struck up a conversation.

The teen left, but returned later to find the boy alone.

Police say the teen pushed the boy up against a wall, put his hands around his throat and demanded the money, before reaching into boy's pocket to remove the cash. Sgt. Robert Shawinsky says the teen threatened the young boy if he told anyone.

Police have charged Jahi McCollum, of Norwalk, with third-degree robbery and risk of injury to a child.