SAN DIEGO -- A 25-year-old suspect who unsuccessfully tried to grab a Starbucks tip jar returned to the store, pretended to have a weapon and threatened to kill the clerk before running away, San Diego police said Sunday.

The incident in the 4300 block of Mission Boulevard was reported at 9:18 p.m. Saturday, San Diego police Sgt. Diane Wendell said.

Suspect Jay Nicholas allegedly grabbed the tip jar but the clerk pulled it back and the two struggled over it, police said.

Nicholas left, then returned with his hand inside a bag, pretending to have a weapon, Wendell said.

The suspect reportedly said, "Now it's a robbery. I'm going to kill you," according to Wendell.

Then the suspect became frightened and ran out the door, police said.

He was taken into custody a short time later, Wendell said.

Nicholas was to be booked into the Central Jail on suspicion of robbery, the sergeant said.