Armored-car heist gets felon 30 years

A Philadelphia man who held up an armored-car guard in 2009 and then shot at police during a gun battle was sentenced Friday to 30 years in prison.

Brian Williams, 53, along with Anthony Reid, 45, robbed the guard as he delivered cash to ATMs at a West Philadelphia gas station.

U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger said Williams and Reid took the guard's gun and a bag of currency during the Sept. 4, 2009, robbery at 52d and Spruce Streets.

As the men fled, Williams fired shots at pursuing police, Memeger said. After a lengthy chase through West and Southwest Philadelphia, Reid lost control of the car he was driving and crashed into a parked car at 63d Street and Grays Avenue.

When Reid tried to get out of the car, he pointed a loaded gun at officers, who shot and injured him. Investigators estimated that nearly 60 rounds were fired. Officer Adrian Hospedale, 45, was struck by a bullet in the mouth during the gun battle, which involved four other officers.

Williams' criminal record includes a conviction for rape in the 1970s.

In February, Williams pleaded guilty to multiple robbery and firearms counts. Reid, who was convicted on similar charges, faces a maximum of life and a mandatory minimum of 25 years when he is sentenced July 18.