A man who was overpowered by employees when he attempted to rob a local gardening store at gunpoint last year was sentenced Monday to 35 years in prison.
Brandon Lee Staggs, 26, appeared with Texarkana attorney Josh Potter on Monday afternoon before 5th District Judge Bill Miller. As part of a plea agreement, Staggs received a 35-year prison term for aggravated robbery.
Staggs allegedly tried to hold two Ellis Pottery employees at gunpoint at about 8 p.m. Nov. 25. The store was closed but Staggs entered through an open loading door in the back of the store, according to a probable cause affidavit.
The employees, one of whom had a concealed carry license and his own handgun, wrestled with Staggs. A couple of rounds from the employee’s pistol were discharged during the confrontation but nobody was injured. Staggs was armed with a long gun.
When police arrived, Staggs and one of the employees were still struggling. Texarkana, Texas, police quickly took Staggs into custody and arrested his girlfriend, 34-year-old Toni Works, who was waiting in a car outside. Works is scheduled to appear before Miller in November on a charge of aggravated robbery. She is currently free on bond.
While being held in the Bowie County jail, Staggs was charged with escape for allegedly attempting to create a hole in a shower by chipping away at the wall. That case is still pending.
Assistant District Attorney Katie Carter handled the case for the state.
