NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – A Chesapeake and Suffolk man entered guilty pleas for their involvement in a series of armed robberies at 7-Elevens in Newport News, Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

Court documents show that 23-year-old Deric Breon Simons, 22-year-old Ronald Lee Brookins and a third person conducted a series of armed robberies at 7-Eleven just before midnight on July 24, 2019 into the early morning of July 25.

The robbery spree began in Newport News where the three men entered the store armed with a gun, a knife and a BB gun. The men brandished their weapons and demanded money and other commercial products from the employees.

The three then continued to make three additional robberies, moving between Norfolk and Virginia Beach. During the final robbery, Brookings and the third suspect entered the store while Simons stayed in the getaway car. Both an employee and three customers were in the store at the time of the incident.

According to court documents, an armed customer discharged his personal weapon out of fear for everyone’s safety, killing the third suspect and injuring Brookins.

Brookins had his sentencing hearing on June 1, 2023. He was sentenced to 37 years on seven counts of the indictment. Four additional counts were dismissed.

Deric Simons has a sentencing hearing now scheduled for September 27, 2023 in Norfolk.