A couple has been charged with a string of robberies in Maple Ridge, and police allege they had their children in the car during two of the incidents.

The series of robberies of convenience stores and gas stations began Monday, Sept. 24 with the robbery of the Mac’s convenience store in the 20300 block of Dewdney Trunk Road.

This business was victimized on one other occasion. The Lougheed Mini Mart was also targeted as was the Petro Canada gas station twice.

The Husky gas station in the 20600 block of Dewdney Trunk Road was robbed on Saturday, Oct. 6.

The pair were arrested on Tuesday Oct. 9 immediately after the robbery at the Chevron gas station in the 20500 block of the Lougheed Highway.

“The charges against these two are the direct result of a tireless police investigation. Our street enforcement unit were able to piece this case together after the initial investigations and followup by the general duty officers,” said Ridge Meadows RCMP Sgt. Dale Somerville. “What is particularly disturbing in this case is the couple had their young children in the crime vehicle during at least two of the robberies.”

Ryan Iverson, 31, has been charged with eight counts of robbery. He appeared in court on Oct. 11 and has been remanded until his next appearance on Oct. 18. Kristjana Tomashiro, 35, has been charged with two counts of robbery. She appeared in Port Coquitlam Provincial Court on Oct. 11 and has been remanded until Oct. 15.