A Burnaby man is facing 25 charges in connection with a string of convenience-store robberies in Surrey – including in South Surrey – and Burnaby last year and last month.
In a news release issued Friday, Surrey RCMP say the multi-jurisdictional investigation identified “a number of persons of interest.”
Thirty-two-year-old Tyler Ripolo is charged with seven counts of robbery, six counts of disguise with intent to commit an offense, three counts of possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, two counts of use of imitation firearm, three counts of possession of stolen property, two counts of break-and-enter, and two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
In addition, warrants have been issued for a second individual, identified as Stephen Cooper, in connection with similar incidents. Cooper, 33, is facing 18 charges: two counts of robbery, three counts of break-and-enter, two counts of disguise with intent to commit an offense, two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, six counts of possession of break-and-enter tools, two counts of possession of stolen property and one count of driving while suspended.
Surrey RCMP Cpl. Scotty Schumann described the two detachments’ close working relationship as “instrumental” in the charges. He could not confirm if any of the charges are related to incidents connected to a police appeal last year for help identifying the person or persons behind a rash of gas-station and convenience-store robberies.
Those robberies took place throughout Surrey – including South Surrey – typically between 3-6 a.m., with the culprits typically focusing on cigarettes and other tobacco products, as well as lottery tickets.
Anyone with information on Cooper’s whereabouts is asked to call police at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. He is described as a five-foot-nine, 150-pound Caucasian man, with a medium build, blue eyes, short brown hair and distinctive tattoos, including the words ‘Life’ and ‘Death’ on his neck. Police caution that Cooper is considered dangerous, and should not be approached.
