Couple charged in string of robberies
Several gas stations and convenience stores were robbed in early October, twice with children in the getaway car
Dale Somerville Ridge Meadows RCMP
Photograph by: file photo , TIMES
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 heists.
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. That business was hit on one other occasion as well.
In addition, the Lougheed Mini Mart was targeted, as was the nearby Petro Canada gas station, which was hit twice.
The Husky gas station in the 20600 block of Dewdney Trunk Road was robbed on Saturday, Oct. 6.
The suspects 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," said Ridge Meadows RCMP Sgt. Dale Somerville.
"Our street enforcement unit was able to piece this case together after the initial investigations and followup by the general duty officers," he added.
"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," Somerville said.
Ryan Iverson, 31, has been charged with eight counts of robbery. He appeared in court on Oct. 11 and will remain in custody until his next appearance Thursday.
Kristjana Tomashiro, 35, is charged with two counts of robbery. She also appeared in Port Coquitlam provincial court on Oct. 11. Her bail hearing was set for Oct. 15, but adjourned until Friday, Oct. 19.
Ridge Meadows RCMP
