Brian Alexander Brooks, 2018 Savannah Crime Spree, GA 2018

SAVANNAH, GA – A reign of terror ended with a federal judge handing down a 25-year sentence to Brian Alexander Brooks, 23, of Savannah, for a series of brazen crimes that terrorized the city in July 2018. Brooks was sentenced in U.S. District Court by Judge Lisa Godbey Wood to 300 months in prison on charges of Interference with Commerce by Robbery; Using, Carrying and Discharging a Firearm During a Violent Crime; and Carjacking. The sentence, delivered by U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine, also includes an order to pay $15,000 in restitution and five years of supervised release after his prison term – a stark reminder that there’s no parole in the federal system.

“Brian Brooks is a violent, serial criminal who robbed and threatened innocent victims at gunpoint, stole a car, ran from police and fired shots to avoid apprehension,” Christine stated bluntly. “Hard prison time will protect the community from further victimization by this violent predator.” The evidence presented in court painted a chilling picture of escalating violence, starting with a simple convenience store robbery and culminating in a chaotic home invasion and police chase.

The crime spree began July 12, 2018, with an armed robbery at the Murphy Express on Abercorn Street. Brooks, brandishing a pistol, demanded cash from the lone female clerk. Just three days later, on July 15th, he struck again, this time at the Parker’s convenience store on Abercorn Street. This time, the situation escalated. Brooks fired a single round from a semi-automatic pistol into the ceiling, attempting to intimidate the female clerk into handing over the money faster. The brazen act demonstrated a growing disregard for human life.

The climax of Brooks’ criminal behavior came on July 31, 2018, with a terrifying home invasion in Georgetown. He awakened a sleeping woman at gunpoint, robbed her, and then stole her car. A high-speed chase ensued through a crowded apartment complex before Brooks crashed the stolen vehicle into a canal. Even then, he didn’t surrender. Brooks opened fire during his escape attempt, before ultimately being apprehended days later with the assistance of the U.S. Marshal’s Service. The entire incident could have easily turned deadly.

Adding insult to injury, Brooks, a previously convicted felon, was already prohibited from possessing a firearm. Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, summed it up grimly: “The only thing to be thankful for after Brooks’ reign of terror in July 2018 is that no one was killed, even though he showed a disregard for human life.” The successful prosecution was a collaborative effort, spearheaded by the FBI’s Southeast Georgia Violent Crimes Task Force and supported by multiple federal and local agencies including ATF, DEA, and the Savannah and Chatham County Police Departments.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia successfully prosecuted the case. Brooks’ 25-year sentence sends a clear message: violent criminals who prey on the innocent will face the full force of the law. While the city breathes a collective sigh of relief, the victims of Brooks’ crimes will undoubtedly carry the scars of this ordeal for years to come. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the fallout of Brooks’ actions.