Teen accused of taking lotto money in Jefferson City using toy gun

A 19-year-old Jefferson City suspect is accused of robbing a man using a toy gun after the victim just cashed a lottery ticket.

Police say Demarcus Ranson followed the victim after he left a gas station around noon on Thursday in the 600 block of Washington Street. Ranson allegedly grabbed the man by his shirt and started punching him in the face.

Officers say Ranson then lifted his shirt, revealing what appeared to be a gun. The victim says he handed over $15 in cash before Ranson fled on foot.

Investigators used a K-9 unit and traced the suspect to the 700 block of Adams, where they also found a plastic gun.

Ranson was taken into custody for first-degree robbery.