A convicted felon, David Lee Hooker, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for illegal firearm possession related to a road rage incident. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples.
Hooker, aged 53, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Ann Marie Axon after pleading guilty in November 2024 to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charge stemmed from an incident that occurred in Jefferson County.
"This sentence sends a clear message that violent and reckless behavior on our roads will not be tolerated," stated U.S. Attorney Escalona. "We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who threaten the safety of our communities and endanger innocent lives."
Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples emphasized the importance of community safety: "The safety of our communities is a priority," he said. "The strong collaboration between FBI Birmingham and our state and local law enforcement partners works as a force multiplier to remove violent offenders from the communities we protect and serve."
According to court documents, on April 4, 2023, Hooker was involved in a road rage incident at the intersection of Bessemer Road and BY Williams Sr. Drive. His vehicle remained stationary through two traffic light cycles while another driver honked behind him. After making a left turn, Hooker pulled over and pointed a firearm at the other driver when they passed by.
The situation escalated when both vehicles entered a nearby parking lot where Hooker approached the second vehicle on foot. A Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Task Force Officer witnessed this confrontation and intervened by activating emergency lights. Hooker then placed his firearm into his pocket and surrendered peacefully, allowing officers to recover a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol from him.
The case was investigated by the FBI alongside the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Keown Sr., prosecuting.