Two boys aged 13 and 16 were arrested after an attempted armed robbery involving a replica pistol in Duncan last month.
According to North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP, officers were called to James Street around 6:18 p.m. on September 8th after reports that two male teens had tried to rob two other boys, aged 14 and 15.
Police quickly located the suspects nearby and arrested them without incident. During the search, officers found what appeared to be a black handgun, later confirmed to be a replica pistol.
One of the victims suffered minor facial injuries and has been connected with victim services for support.
Both suspects were taken to the detachment and held for court. While in custody, one of the teens allegedly caused significant damage to police equipment.
Police say the pair have been jointly charged with robbery using an imitation firearm and assault with a weapon. One youth faces an additional charge of mischief under $5,000, while the other is charged with failing to comply with a youth sentence.
“Community safety is something we all have a role in,” said Cst. Tessa McDonald, media relations officer with North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.
“We’re urging both youth and their parents to understand the very real consequences of carrying or displaying replica firearms in public. Replica or not, if it appears real, the response will be the same.”
