A Marseilles teenager is accused of trying to steal a woman's purse Wednesday night in Peru.

Cameron A. Denunzio, 17, 427 Ryall St., was charged with attempted robbery and taken to the La Salle County Jail. The charge is punishable by probation or prison. The public defender's office was appointed to represent him Thursday.

Peru Deputy Police Chief Robert Pyszka said police received a call at 7:15 p.m. that someone tried to rob a 40-year-old woman of her purse outside Jo-Ann Fabrics, 1608 36th St., near Kmart. The woman said she fended off the assailant after a brief struggle. A short time after police arrived, they took two suspects into custody and after investigation, had a charge approved against Denunzio. Pyszka said the other person was released, with the investigation of him remaining under review, but a charge is not likely.

Denunzio stands 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs 125 pounds. The victim was not hurt.

Pyszka attributed the arrest to quick action on the part of the victim and officers.