Gainesville man arrested for helping accomplice steal $3,000 at gunpoint from convenience store

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Willie Christopher Williams, 33, was arrested early this morning and charged with armed robbery after allegedly helping an unidentified accomplice steal about $3,000 in cash at gunpoint from a convenience store last night.

At about 9:01 p.m. on July 2, Williams and an unidentified accomplice walked up to the Chevron at 1510 S. Main Street together; William reportedly entered the store first, talking on the phone. His accomplice entered a few minutes later while placing his phone in his pocket. Once inside, the accomplice reportedly pulled out a gun and forced a store employee to give him the cash drawer, which contained about $3,000.

While the accomplice was taking the cash drawer, Williams reportedly left the store on foot and walked north. The accomplice reportedly ran out a moment later with the cash drawer and also went north.

Surveillance video reportedly shows Williams and his accomplice arriving together in a vehicle and walking toward the store. After the robbery, the two men can be seen running to the car and driving away without any lights on the car.

The tag from the vehicle was traced to Williams, and it was reportedly found parked in front of Williams’ home, where he was arrested. Gainesville Police Department officers reportedly found the cash drawer in a dumpster near the vehicle.

Williams has no local criminal history; bail will be set tomorrow.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.