Fort Smith man pleads not guilty in Fayetteville robbery

Clarence E. Williams
Clarence E. Williams

FAYETTEVILLE -- A man who police said robbed a credit union at gunpoint, then led police on an interstate chase, pleaded not guilty Friday in Washington County Circuit Court.

Clarence E. Williams, 65, of 823 N. Seventh St.in Fort Smith, pleaded not guilty to a charge of aggravated robbery. He was given a Dec. 18 trial date.

Aggravated robbery is punishable by 10 to 40 years or life in prison.

Police said Williams walked into the Northwest Arkansas Federal Credit Union at 1460 N. Woolsey Ave. about 2:18 p.m. Sept. 8, took out a gun and demanded money. Williams fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money, police said. No one was hurt.

An FBI special agent saw Williams' vehicle traveling south on Interstate 49 later the same day and followed Williams until state troopers arrived. Williams crashed his vehicle after a short pursuit. He ran and was caught by troopers and FBI agents.

Police found a black canvas duffle bag with a large amount of cash in Williams' wrecked vehicle.

Williams later told law enforcement officials he robbed the credit union, according to the preliminary police report.

Williams is being held at the Washington County Jail with no bond set.

NW News on 10/10/2015

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