Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

LAPLACE — Rickey Joseph Ripp, 38, of Marrero, was arrested March 18 for stealing over $2,000 in merchandise he hid on his person and stuffed into bags of mulch at a LaPlace business.

   On March 18, around 12:30 p.m., officers responded to Home Depot in reference to a theft. Upon arrival, officers observed an unknown male, later identified as Ripp, placing items inside bags of mulch in a shopping cart. Detectives observed the male check out the three bags of mulch in his cart and exit the store. Officers made contact with the subject who gave officers a false name. Detectives then observed a large knife tucked in the back of the subject’s pants, a power drill tucked in the front of his pants and several other tools on his person. Other tools and items also were discovered in the bags of mulch.

  Ripp was booked with resisting an officer by refusing identity (misd) and theft – $1000 – $5,000 (felony). He was released March 18.