A Louisville man accused of a shooting in St. Matthews last Friday appeared in court on Monday. Arik Brooks, 27, is charged with shooting a woman and brandishing a rifle on Frankfort Avenue.
During the hearing, Brooks’ lawyer argued for maintaining his bond at $200,000. “The court needs to consider statutory concerns. Even at 10%, I’m not sure if that’s enough to secure his release,” the lawyer stated.
Arik Brooks faces charges of attempted murder, wanton endangerment, robbery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to St. Matthews Police, Brooks and the woman, who had been romantically involved, drove to a parking lot near Books A Million on Friday afternoon. After an argument, Brooks allegedly shot the woman in the arm.
“They were friends; she was meeting a family member there,” said St. Matthews Police Chief Barry Wilkerson. The cause of the confrontation is still unknown.
Following the shooting, Brooks reportedly drove to Frankfort Avenue in a stolen vehicle and abandoned it near the railroad tracks. Surveillance footage captured him outside Patrick’s Neighborhood Bar, walking down Frankfort Avenue with an assault rifle as cars passed by.
Amy Lambert, working next door at the Frankfort Avenue Beer Depot and Smokehouse, recalled the tense moment: “One of the regulars yelled ‘gun’ and called my name, telling me to call 911.”
The video showed Brooks approaching the FABD Smokehouse, prompting Lambert to secure her staff and patrons. “I don’t know what he was saying, but he kept repeating the same statement,” she said.
Keith Ransdell, the manager at Patrick’s Neighborhood Bar, directed traffic away from the scene until police arrived. “It was a very scary situation,” Lambert added.
Police reported that Brooks admitted to shooting the woman inside her car. The judge maintained his bond at $200,000, and Brooks’ next court date is set for May 29.