Marijuana and guns found in Maple Ridge house
A husband and wife were arrested Monday after police discovered a marijuana grow operation in their Maple Ridge home.
Ridge Meadows RCMP found 9666 marijuana plants in the Ferguson Avenue property. Guns were also seized.
The couple, who have two young children, were taken into custody around 4 p.m. after police got a warrant to search the property.
“This was quite a large, sophisticated marijuana growing operation,” said Cpl. Dale Somerville.
“Police have advised the Ministry for Children and Families, as the couple have children who live in the home with them and a marijuana grow op is a very unhealthy environment.”
Robbery charges
A man and his common law wife are facing charges in connection with a series of robberies that targeted convenience stores and gas stations in Maple Ridge.
Ridge Meadows RCMP allege the couple’s crime spree began on Monday Sept. 24 at a Mac’s store in the 20300 block of Dewdney Trunk Road.
Cpl. Dale Someville said the business was targeted on one other occasion.
The Lougheed Mini Mart and a Petro Canada gas station were also robbed twice, while a Husky gas station in the 20600 block of Dewdney Trunk Rd. was held up on Saturday, Oct. 6.
Police finally caught up with the pair on Tuesday, Oct. 9 immediately after an alleged robbery at a Chevron gas station in the 20500 block of the Lougheed Hwy.
What is particularly disturbing in this case is the couple had their young children in a vehicle during at least two of the robberies, said Somerville.
“The charges against these two are the direct result of a tireless police investigation,” he added.
The Ministry for Children and Families has been notified.
Ryan Iverson, 31 now faces eight counts of robbery. He appeared in court on Oct. 11 and was remanded in custody until his next appearance on Oct. 18. HIs girlfriend, Kristjana Tomashiro, 35, has been charged with two counts of robbery. She appeared in Port Coquitlam Provincial Court on Oct. 11 and was been remanded in custody for a bail hearing on Friday, Oct. 19.
Bank robber
A 28-year-old man from Pemberton has been arrested for robbing a bank in Maple Ridge.
The man was taken into custody on Friday, Oct. 5 following a two month long investigation by Ridge Meadows RCMP.
The man is accused of holding up a Westminster Savings Credit Union in the 22400 block of Lougheed Highway on July 12.
Michael Taylor Lindsay has been charged with armed robbery but has been released from custody for a court appearance on Nov. 1.
“This was a good investigation that has resulted in a criminal charge being laid,” said Cpl. Alanna Dunlop.
“Our Street Enforcement Unit did some excellent follow up after the initial investigation by both our uniformed General Duty and the RCMP’s Integrated Forensic Identification Section.”
Pesky critters
Ridge Meadows RCMP want to remind residents that pet doors can be a possible hazard.
On Monday, police were called to assist a Maple Ridge homeowner after a raccoon enter got into their house.
The homeowner was watching T.V. with the family dogs, when the hungry raccoon strolled in and began to attack one of the pets.
The homeowner and dogs fled the residence and police were able to coax the racoon out.
Mounties however are asking residents to remember that pet doors provide unwanted critters easy access into homes.
Police said make sure the doors are secure when your pet is not using it.
