Toronto police have arrested and charged a woman for allegedly trying to hold up a clothing store — but police are also warning people not follow the owners' example and tackle an armed robber.

Ken Quan owns the store in the northwest section of the city.

On Thursday morning a woman came into his store brandishing a rifle and demanding money.

Lashawn Walters appears in court in Toronto charged with armed robbery. (Alex Tavshunsky/CBC)

She put the rifle right into Quan's face.

He gave her what he had and she left the store.

But Quan noticed that once outside the woman put the weapon into her bag. Quan then rushed outside and grabbed the woman, while screaming for help.

Quan thought no one would "try to help me unless I scream[ed] louder and louder and louder."

The store owner kept yelling "until people walk and ask me what happen. I said, 'This girl rob me and she put the gun in the bag with the money. Help me.'"

Two people came to Quan's aid.

A man helped Quan hold the woman down until police came and a woman who grabbed the rifle and put it in the middle of the parking lot.

Police arrived a few minutes and arrested the suspect and seized a .40 calibre rifle, along with a quantity of cash.

Police say they do not recommend that members of the public try to tackle armed robbers on their own under any circumstances.

Lashawn Walters, 26, of Toronto has been charged with armed robbery and a number of firearm offences.