A pursuit and wreck on Monday afternoon led to the arrest of a Knoxville man wanted in multiple armed robberies of beer and cigarettes, authorities said.  Keith Richard Kirkland, 33, is suspected of robbing a Pilot gas station, 1915 E. Raccoon Valley Drive, on Saturday, and a Dollar General store, 1923 Raccoon Valley Road, on Sunday, according to a news release from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.  In both robberies, Kirkland brandished a gun and demanded beer and cigarettes, according to the release.

Authorities tied Kirkland to the robberies and issued warrants on him. Shortly after noon today, KCSO officers spotted Kirkland’s 2005 white Chevy Equinox and attempted a traffic stop near the 5300 block of Central Avenue Pike. Kirkland drove away, leading officers in a chase that ended when he wrecked, striking a pole on Central Avenue Pike at Irwin Drive, according to the release.

Kirkland and his female passenger tried to run, but were immediately caught, the release states.  Kirkland has a criminal history in Knox County that includes a conviction for robbery and multiple traffic arrests, according to the release.