Man Accused Of Weekend Rampage Against NYPD Officers Pleads Not Guilty
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The suspected gunman accused of opening fire on NYPD officers in the Bronx last month faced a judge on Wednesday on attempted murder charges.
He is accused of wounding two officers during a weekend rampage.
At the previous court appearance for accused cop-shooter Robert Williams, he was described as smiling, even grinning, but not Wednesday. He was arraigned on 11 counts of attempted murder in the first degree, 12 counts of attempted murder in the second degree, 11 counts of attempted aggravated assault upon an officer, weapons possession, and resisting arrest, CBS2's Dave Carlin reported.
MORE: Gunman Faces Attempted Murder Charges After 2 NYPD Officers Shot In 12 Hours
Dozens of officers we're on hand in a show of solidarity as the 45-year-old said but two words to the charges in what was a brief court appearance.
"Not guilty," Williams said.
On Feb. 8, Williams allegedly fired shots into a marked NYPD van near the corner of Simpson and Fox streets in the Bronx. An officer inside was wounded in the neck and chin.
MORE: After Latest Attacks, NYPD Commissioner And Mayor Calls Shootings "Assassination Attempts"
Less than 12 hours later, police say he opened fire at the 41st Precinct station house. Much of the incident was caught on security camera footage from several angles. The suspect is seen shooting before running out of ammunition and sliding a gun across the floor and surrendering. A group of officers then rushes in and restrains him. An injured lieutenant is seen in the background, having taken a bullet to his arm.
"We're grateful that this judge took that indictment seriously and continued remand for the perp that tried to kill two New York City police officers," Police Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch said.
"Fortunately, this mission to massacre police officers failed," Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said.
Clark also thanked officers for showing great restraint and professionalism.
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