Patrols in Maple Ridge’s downtown netted local Mounties another repeat offender.
Last Thursday, Jan. 30, Ridge Meadows RCMP’s street enforcement unit was searching for what they described as “prolific offenders” in the city’s core, when one such suspect – known to be disqualified from driving - was spotted getting behind the wheel of a car and driving away, explained RCMP spokesperson Const. Julie Klaussner.
Officers spotted the man in the area of 223rd Street and 122nd Avenue, and following the vehicle they arrested him a short distance away – without incident, Klaussner said.
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Maple Ridge’s Robert Allen Vrban, 45, was subsequently charged with three counts of drive while disqualified, one count of drive while prohibited, and two counts of possession of stolen property valued at less than $5,000.
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This is the second time in six months that Vrban was arrested for the same offence, Klaussner explained.
Vrban has since pleaded guilty to two counts of driving while disqualified and one count of possession of stolen property.
He was previously arrested in July 2019 and pleading guilty in that incident as well, was sentenced to 51 days in jail, taking into consideration time served, and prohibited from driving for 10 years.
“Ridge Meadows RCMP will continue to focus our efforts to arrest the offenders [who] continue to cause a disproportionate amount of harm to the community,” said Klaussner.
Vrban has been remanded until his next court appearance next Thursday, Feb. 13, where he is expected to appear by video conference.
cflanagan@mapleridgenews.com
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