Columbia man to serve 25 years for bank, store robberies | The State

A Columbia man who robbed a Camden bank and Darlington store in 2005 will serve 25 years in prison for his crimes.

Ryan Craig Brown, 24, was sentenced in federal court in Florence to 25 years for bank robbery, armed robbery, and using a firearm in the commission of the bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Walt Wilkins said today.

Brown robbed the First Palmetto Savings Bank at 2310 N. Broad Street in Camden on Nov. 16, 2005, by pointing a gun at the tellers and demanding money.

On Dec. 20, 2005, Brown robbed the Movie Gallery at South Governor Williams Highway in Darlington, by shoving a firearm into the store manager’s side, demanding money from the register and safe, and forcing the employees and several customers into the restroom at the rear of the store, reports indicate.

Brown also took the manager’s car to flee the scene and was involved in a high-speed chase with law enforcement. The stolen vehicle was struck in the rear by a patrol car and forced off the road into a nearby ditch. Brown had a loaded pistol, cash, and a set of restraints in his possession when he was apprehended after a chase on foot from the accident scene, according to federal authorities.

The case was investigated by the Darlington and Camden Police departments, State Law Enforcement Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

-- From Staff Reports