The Rochester man accused of robbing a bank and nearly running down an officer pleaded not guilty in court.

Robert Williams, 46, is charged with robbery and grand larceny. Police believe he robbed the M&T bank on East Avenue around 11:30 a.m. Saturday. 

Williams was later spotted parked in a driveway on Melville Street. Police say two officers approached the vehicle before he sped in reverse, almost hitting one of them. Officer Kelly Mackin fell to the ground during the incident, firing her service weapon at the vehicle and hitting it.

Other dispatched officers chased the driver until he crashed on Laurelton Road, a few blocks away. Williams was arrested on Westchester Avenue.

Rochester Police Department leaders commended Mackin's work.

"The officer is obviously shaken up a bit, you know. She has one year on the job in three months," said Deputy Chief La'Ron Singletary.

He said it was the first time the officer had fired her weapon in the line of duty and that she'd been taken to a hospital for treatment.

As protocol, Major Crimes is investigating this incident because the officer fired her weapon. She has been assigned to administrative duties.

Williams has seven prior felony convictions including robbery and resisting arrest. He is being held without bail.