Arrest made following January aggravated robbery and assault of Carthage councilman

June 15, 2017

A Lebanon man who has been wanted since January for the aggravated robbery and assault of a Carthage councilman has been found and is now in Smith County’s custody.

On January 14 at approximately 2:32 p.m., Carthage police were dispatched to the residence of Councilman Phillip Brooks about a robbery that had just taken place.

According to Assistant Chief Carl Brown’s report, upon arriving the scene, Brooks advised that a female subject was cleaning out his car for money. The subject then asked to use the restroom to change her child’s diaper, at which point, they entered the residence and Brooks showed her where the bathroom was located.

According to the report, Brooks told police that a black male subject, later identified as Booker T. Spence (40, Lebanon), came into the residence and asked to use the restroom, too. At this time, Spence allegedly punched Brooks in the face, knocking him down to the floor.

Spence allegedly grabbed Brooks’ wallet out of his pocket and ran out of the house, leaving in a silver SUV, according to the report.

Brooks had injuries to his head and face, and after speaking to police, he was transported by ambulance to the emergency room at Riverview Regional Medical Center due to his injuries.

Brooks was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for his injuries.

Brooks’ wallet contained $840 that was stolen.

Spence was recently arrested in Illinois and transported to Smith County Jail Facility for booking.

Spence is charged with Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Robbery, Especially Aggravated Robbery and Failure to Appear in Court.

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Booker T Spence