Suspected 'box-cutter bandit' in custody in Fayetteville

Fayetteville, N.C. — Police arrested a man Thursday afternoon who they believe is responsible for a series of robberies this week in which the robber displayed a knife or box cutter.

Julius Williams III, 50, of Fayetteville, was taken into custody at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. He is charged with three counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon and one count each of common law robbery and second-degree kidnapping.

No details of what led investigators to Williams were released.

On Monday, a Rite Aid on Morganton Road and a Chinese restaurant on Bragg Boulevard were robbed.

A Kangaroo gas station on Skibo Road, a Wilco Hess gas station on Pamalee Drive and a shoe store on Bragg Boulevard were held up Tuesday.

A Kangaroo on Bragg Boulevard, a Payless Shoes store on Ramsey Street and a Scotchman gas station on Morganton Road were robbed Wednesday.

Witnesses said the robber left the crime scenes in a white Ford Expedition or Explorer.

Williams has spent 24 years in prison and has convictions dating from 1979, according to state Department of Correction records. He was released last August after serving 18 years of three consecutive sentences totaling 45 years for 10 counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, five counts of common-law robbery and one count of assault on an officer.

DOC records show that he had previous convictions for three counts of felony breaking and entering, two larceny counts and one count of common-law robbery.

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The average cost per prisoner is $35,000.00 each. Multiply that figure against the total number of prisoners in our state & US prisons. Our country would sure be in a better financial position if things were done as they were way back when. I'm a woman, I'm also an ex Aux. Police Officer, I've seen many that should have been executed immediately after trial, like they used to be. I know this is hard thinking, but look at the alternative we're paying for, and what happens when many are repeat offenders, back on our payroll.

nanasix
April 29, 2011 9:46 a.m.

This guy wanted to go back, he likes it there.

Sherlock
April 29, 2011 9:29 a.m.

I wish all the people he scared and committed a crime against would like to wipe that smile off his face. Wish they had a chance.

me2you
April 29, 2011 9:21 a.m.

I don't understand why we don't just finish these people who are a menace to society the moment they do something wrong. I'm not talking about prison here. No more of this second chance garbage. You messed up...finished...end of story...the world will be a better place.

whatswrongwiththisplace
April 29, 2011 9:02 a.m.

If he had done half of his last sentence, three serious crimes would have been prevented. How long before the justice system learns that prison is not to rehabilitate, but to keep the scum off the streets so they can't do more crimes. I can think of no better use for my tax money.