RCMP Sooke
(File photo)

A 17-year-old Duncan teenager is facing charges after allegedly robbing a young woman at gunpoint early on Monday night.

North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP said at around 5:45 p.m., a young woman was walking alone in the 400 block of Cairnsmore Street when she was approached by a man who was brandishing a handgun.

The teenager then stole her purse and fled. The woman immediately went to a nearby residence and called 911.

Immediate patrols of the area were unsuccessful in turning up the suspect. They later identified him, and he was arrested without incident on Tuesday.

Police located the firearm used in the robbery and discovered it was a replica BB Gun.

The teenager appeared in court Wednesday on a charge of robbery.