North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP received a report of two young men, aged 13 and 16, attempting to rob two other young men, aged 14 and 15, on James Street in Duncan on Sept. 8 at 6:18 p.m.
Police responded immediately and were able to locate the two suspects nearby.
Both were arrested without further incident and police located a weapon, a black replica pistol, during the search of the suspects.
One victim suffered minor facial physical injuries, and the RCMP’s Victim Services are connecting with both youth victims.
The suspects were taken back to the station and held for court.
While in police custody, one of the youths allegedly caused extensive damage to police equipment.
The suspects have been jointly charged with robbery using an imitation firearm and assault with a weapon.
Additionally, one of the youths has been charged with mischief under $5,000 and the other youth has been charged with failure to comply with a youth sentence.
“Community safety is something we all have a role in, and we are urging both youth and their parents to understand the very real consequences of carrying or displaying replica firearms in public,” Const. Tessa McDonald, media relations officer for the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP, said in a statement.
“Using a replica weapon in the commission of an offence is treated the same as using a real firearm. We are asking parents to speak with their children about the risks involved and to help them make safe, informed choices. Replica or not, if it appears real, the response will be the same.”
The matter is currently before the courts.
