Charges have been laid against a suspect arrested in December in connection with a three-day crime spree in Maple Ridge and Langley.
Ridge Meadows RCMP Street Enforcement Unit (SEU) forwarded the results of its investigation to BC Prosecution Service, and the following 10 charges have been laid against 24-year-old Cole Mercer of Langley:
• 4 counts of robbery
• 4 counts of use of an imitation firearm
• Theft
• Possession of stolen property
None of the charges against Mercer have been proven in court, and a suspected is deemed innocent until proven guilty.
Between Dec. 5 and 7 police in both cities received six reports of robberies deemed to have been committed by the same suspect.
In each instance, the suspect’s description and methods were very similar. This included multiple businesses and their staff and customers being targeted and a firearm being present. None of the victims involved sustained any physical injuries.
Mercer was arrested on Dec. 9 in Langley, and his residence was searched.
“The quick actions of our officers, in coordination with Langley RCMP and our integrated policing partners, resulted in a swift and successful arrest of this suspect,” said Ridge Meadows RCMP SEU Sgt. Trevor Hanson at the time.
“While we’re thankful no one was injured, these types of incidents can often be unsettling for victims and witnesses. We appreciate the public’s assistance in reporting these crimes and being our partners in community safety.”
The RCMP’s tactical Emergency Response Team and Air Services were both involved in the arrest.
Mercer’s next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 5.