Man stabbed multiple times at gas station during robbery

Clayborn
Clayborn

A Hot Springs man pleaded not guilty to three felony counts Monday after allegedly stabbing another man multiple times and stealing his wallet at a local gas station on Sunday.

Lawrence Edward Clayborn, 49, who lists a Morphew Road address, was arrested in the 600 block of Malvern Avenue just before 5:30 p.m. Sunday and charged with felony counts of aggravated robbery, punishable by up to life in prison, and second-degree battery, and theft of property over $1,000, each punishable by up to six years.

Clayborn, who also had a parole hold, appeared Monday in Garland County District Court before Judge Ralph Ohm and entered not guilty pleas on all three charges. Bond was set at $20,000, and a no-contact order was issued. A felony review hearing is set for April 30.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Hot Springs police responded to the MAPCO gas station, 4139 Central Ave., at around 10 a.m. Sunday in reference to a stabbing that had just occurred.

The victim was reportedly found on the ground by a gas pump in a small pool of blood. Officers administered first aid to the victim's left leg to stop the bleeding from multiple stab wounds, and also to his chest. He was then transported to the emergency room at CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs via LifeNet for additional treatment.

The victim reportedly told officers that a man, later identified as Clayborn, stabbed him multiple times and robbed him of his wallet, which contained $1,450 in cash and identification cards.

Surveillance video from MAPCO reportedly showed that the victim and Clayborn arrived in different vehicles and spoke inside the gas station. After they exited the building, the video showed the victim pump $2 worth of gasoline into his vehicle, then get into Clayborn's 2003 Buick LeSabre on the passenger's side.

The footage reportedly showed a struggle ensued inside the vehicle, then the victim exited the Buick and fell to the ground, bleeding from multiple wounds. The blue Buick then left the gas station traveling north on Central.

According to two witnesses, they reportedly noticed a commotion inside the Buick and heard a man scream, "Help, he's trying to rob me." They witnessed a short struggle and the victim exited the car and fell to the ground.

One witness said he rushed to assist the victim while another witness called 911. During that call, the witness was able to provide a partial plate number and description of the vehicle. The license plate number was reportedly similar to the one registered to Clayborn.

Detective John Hammons reportedly found the Buick at the address listed on the vehicle's registration. It was reportedly towed to the police department pending a search warrant and Clayborn voluntarily went to the police department to give a statement.

He allegedly admitted to stabbing the unarmed victim and taking his wallet.

Local on 03/13/2018

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