Homeless man faces up to 15 years in prison for robbery

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A homeless man could get up to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of robbing another homeless man on Chester Avenue in December, according to prosecutors.

John Williams III, 43, was found guilty Wednesday of robbery and providing false identification to police. He’s scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 12.

Williams has a lengthy criminal history, court records show, including felony assault and vehicle theft convictions.

“Everyone in our community deserves to feel safe, and it is necessary that all victims of crime receive justice for the offenses committed against them,” District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said in a release.

On Dec. 17, Williams displayed a pellet gun as he demanded the victim hand over items he’d collected, prosecutors said. The other man dropped his belongings and walked away. Williams followed him, and the man yelled at the occupant of a nearby car to call 911.

The man also called 911 after running to Sam Lynn Ballpark, prosecutors said.

Police found Williams at a strip mall and located both the pellet gun and the victim’s belongings, according to the release. He initially gave a false name, prosecutors said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.