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Cedar Rapids man arrested after allegedly robbing Smokin’ Joe’s, hitting clerk with vehicle
UPDATE: Case outcome
William Atkinson pleaded down to fifth-degree theft, a simple misdemeanor, and assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, an aggravated misdemeanor. In April 2022, he was sentenced to 30 days in jail and 150 days in jail, respectively, for the counts, with the days to be served concurrently.
CEDAR RAPIDS — A Cedar Rapids man was arrested Dec. 17 after allegedly robbing Smokin’ Joe’s and intentionally running into a clerk as he sped away from the tobacco and liquor store in a vehicle.
William Robert Atkinson, 28, was identified from security video as having entered Smokin’ Joe's at 904 First Ave. NW on Dec. 3 and attempted to pay for various merchandise with a debit card, according to a criminal complaint.
Authorities said the debit card failed to cover the cost of the merchandise and Atkinson proceeded to walk out of the store with the items. When the store clerk told Atkinson he needed to pay for the items, Atkinson replied that he had just shot someone and asked if the clerk wanted to get shot, too, according to the complaint.
The clerk followed Atkinson out of the store. Atkinson then entered a vehicle and intentionally ran into the clerk while speeding away from Smokin’ Joe’s with the stolen merchandise, authorities allege.
Atkinson was booked Dec. 17 at the Linn County Jail for second-degree robbery, a Class C felony, assault while displaying a dangerous weapon and revocation of probation on $40,000 cash-only bond.
Comments: (319) 398-8494; marissa.payne@thegazette.com
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