SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah, June 23, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — A Couple wanted in multiple jurisdictions for a string of armed robberies along the Wasatch Front over the last couple of weeks has been arrested.
Unified Police Lt. Lex Bell confirmed the Matthew Alan Kuepper and Kellie Kuepper was taken into custody near 7800 S. 700 East at approximately 4 p.m. after an aggravated robbery at Papa John’s Pizza in Cottonwood Heights. Officers recognized the car they were in and initiated a stop. Both suspects ran from the car and were eventually caught after a foot pursuit with officers.
Bell said the couple is suspected to be involved in at least eight armed robberies in their jurisdiction and several in Murray and Cottonwood Heights.
The rash of robberies appear to have started June 9 with a Papa Murphy’s in Holladay. Over the next two weeks, robberies occurred at second Papa Murphy’s, an Arctic Circle, a Cartridge World, a Domino’s Pizza, a Jamba Juice and two Subways.
The suspecte is believed to have also committed four armed robberies all on Wednesday, a nail salon in Midvale, a 7-Eleven in Millcreek, and both a Subway and a Papa Murphy’s in Murray.
Matthew Kuepper exhibited the same behavior in almost all of the cases. He entered the establishment, displayed a firearm, and told the employees that he doesn’t want to hurt anyone, but he needs all the money. Witnesses told officers the man then got into a silver car, possibly a Mazda 3, with no front license plate, driven by a young blond female.
No one was injured in any of the robberies, but police said they had become very concerned because the suspect had been increasing the frequency with which he commits his crimes.
Matthew Kuepper told officers the gun was not a real gun but a plastic replica. He admitted the robberies were fueled by his heroin and crack cocaine addiction, according to the probable cause statement.
Matthew Kuepper is being held in the salt Lake Count Jail on eight counts of first-degree felony aggravated robbery and probation violation.
Kellie Kuepper is also in custody and has been charged with two counts of first-degree felony aggravated robbery for her role in at least two of the robberies witnesses said she the driver.
This guy looks like Jason Derek Brown FBI most wanted.