CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A man tried to rob a video lottery parlor on North Pinch Road in Elkview with a shotgun Wednesday, according to Kanawha County Chief Deputy Johnny Rutherford.

Chad Wehrle, 30 of Elkview, walked into Teresa's Café just after midnight wearing dark clothing and a red bandana over his face and ordered everyone onto the floor, Rutherford said.

When Wehrle demanded money, store worker Douglas James rose from the floor with a 44-caliber handgun and fired two rounds, Rutherford said. One of the shots hit Wehrle in the arm and upper torso, he said.

Wehrle fled the building and started firing the shotgun outside, according to police. Wehrle and James exchanged gunfire, and Wehrle ran from the scene, Rutherford said.

When Sheriff's Deputy B.K. Howery arrived on the scene, witnesses described the shooter as a white male between 25 and 30 years old and weighing about 180 pounds.

About 1 a.m. Wehrle walked into Charleston Area Medical Center General Hospital to get treatment for his gunshot wound, Rutherford said. He remains in the hospital.

Rutherford said deputies are issuing warrants for Wehrle and he will be charged with robbery and wanton endangerment.

James will not be charged, the chief deputy said.

"We don't encourage people to do that because of the dangers involved," Rutherford said of James' actions. "But we do understand, with today's criminal climate, why this happened. No charges will be filed against him at this time."

Reach Gary Harki at gha...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-5163.