We, the undersigned members of the Brunswick community, urgently call for the immediate termination of Officer Robert Bryce Sasser from the Brunswick Police Department. Our demand stems from a deeply troubling incident on September 7, 2024, involving Officer Sasser and a 13-year-old resident, which has raised significant concerns about his conduct and suitability as a law enforcement officer.

On that evening, Officer Sasser confronted 13-year-old Colt Gordon for allegedly riding his bicycle on the sidewalk without proper lighting. Body-worn camera footage reveals that the situation escalated rapidly, culminating in Officer Sasser forcefully taking the young teenager to the ground and subsequently pointing a taser at him. Throughout the encounter, Colt can be heard expressing his fear and confusion, repeatedly stating, “I’m 13, bro! Chill, bro, I’m 13!”

This incident has not only traumatized a young member of our community but has also eroded public trust in our local law enforcement. The use of such force against a minor, especially in a situation that could have been de-escalated, is both unacceptable and indicative of a severe lapse in judgment.

Furthermore, it is imperative to consider Officer Sasser’s history within the department. In 2018, he was terminated from the Brunswick Police Department after being charged with reckless conduct related to a tragic incident involving his father, former Glynn County Police Lt. Robert “Cory” Sasser. Investigators determined that Officer Sasser allowed his father access to firearms, despite a court order prohibiting such access, which subsequently led to a double homicide and suicide.

Despite this grave lapse in responsibility, Officer Sasser was rehired by the Brunswick Police Department in July 2023. The recent incident with young Colt Gordon demonstrates a continued pattern of poor judgment and raises serious questions about his ability to serve and protect our community effectively.

The role of a police officer is to uphold the law with integrity, fairness, and respect for all citizens, regardless of age. Officer Sasser’s actions on September 7, 2024, starkly contrast these principles and highlight a disregard for the well-being of the very individuals he is sworn to protect.

In light of these events, we firmly believe that Officer Robert Bryce Sasser’s continued presence in the Brunswick Police Department poses a risk to the safety and trust of our community. We, therefore, petition for his immediate termination to uphold the standards of our law enforcement and to begin restoring public confidence in our police department.