Cedar Rapids man accused of robbing tobacco outlet at knifepoint

CEDAR RAPIDS - A Cedar Rapids man was arrested after robbing a tobacco outlet at knifepoint.

Cedar Rapids public safety spokesman Greg Buelow said officers were called to Smokin' Joe's Tobacco & Liquor Outlet, 904 First Ave. NW, at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday for a report of a robbery. Police said a man entered the store, pulled a knife and took cash from a clerk.

Buelow said 61-year-old Alvin B. Brooks was identified as the suspect and a warrant was obtained for his home at 906 C Ave. NW. Police served the warrant at 11 p.m. and took brooks into custody.

Brooks faces charges of first-degree robbery, possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Buelow said Brooks also had warrants for aggravated theft, third-degree theft, fourth-degree theft, fifth-degree theft, providing false identification information and trespass.

Brooks' wife, 68-year-old Brenda L. Brooks, was also arrested after police served the warrant. She faces charges of possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

l Comments: (319) 398-8238; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com