Kansas City newspaper carrier, robber exchange gunshots

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A newspaper carrier for The Kansas City Star exchanged shots with a man who robbed him in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant early Monday.

The 26-year-old carrier had just filled a newspaper rack and emptied coins from it when he was approached by a man who pulled a gun. He said he gave up the coins but the gunman wanted more and began searching his van.

The carrier said he then pulled his own weapon, a .38-caliber revolver, and fired as a warning. After an exchange of shots, the robber fled in a car with two other men, taking an undisclosed amount of money, a wallet and a cell phone.

The carrier suffered cuts on his face and had glass embedded in his skin from the impact of his own gunshot through a van window at the robber, but refused medical treatment.

He said one of the shots fired by the robber was just four inches from his head, and another three inches from his hip.

Chris Christian, vice president of circulation for The Star, said company officials were concerned about and are looking for ways to further protect collections from newspaper racks.

On Aug. 27, Star carrier Robert Hack was found shot to death near his delivery vehicle. Police think Hack was robbed before the shooting but have no suspects. Monday's case appeared random and officers don't think there's a connection.