Richmond RCMP were called to the area of Shell and Williams roads around 11 p.m. Monday night after a woman was reportedly robbed by a man wielding an air gun after she stepped off a bus.
Police subsequently set up a large containment perimeter to catch the suspect.
One witness to the incident said there were several police cars in the area and officers had their guns drawn.
Cpl. Dennis Hwang said police apprehended Richmond resident Sam Conteh, 20, a young man already known to police. On Tuesday he was charged with one count of robbery and one count of using an imitation firearm.
Hwang said the imitation firearm resembled a pistol.
“Though the pistol used in the commission of the offence was determined to be an air gun, our officers treat all such firearms as a credible threat until proven otherwise.” said Hwang.
While he couldn't say where Conteh was found hwang noted that it took police 45 minutes to locate the young man.
The 47 year-old woman reported to police that Conteh, wearing dark clothing, had allegedly stolen her purse. She was physically unharmed, said Hwang.
He noted, via a news release, it helped that police with detailed knowledge of the Shellmont neighbourhood were involved in the search.
"Their experience and knowledge of the area was crucial in making the arrest,” said Hwang.
