Knoxville, Tenn. – A Knoxville man is behind bars following an armed robbery and a brief police pursuit on Thursday morning. Officers from the Knoxville Police Department (KPD) responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Hardee’s located at 6760 Clinton Highway shortly after 5:00 a.m.
Witnesses at the scene described a man who entered the restaurant and went behind the counter, where he reportedly implied that he was armed. The suspect then took money from the register before fleeing the scene in an older model Chevy truck.
KPD officers quickly began searching the area, and a short time later, they spotted a vehicle matching the description of the suspect’s truck near the intersection of Merchant Drive and Pleasant Ridge Road. Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect failed to pull over, prompting a pursuit.
The suspect, later identified as 46-year-old David Covington, fled on foot after abandoning the vehicle. However, officers were able to track him down and take him into custody shortly afterward.
Covington has been charged with aggravated robbery and felony evading arrest. Authorities have not released further details about the suspect’s motive or prior criminal history.
The incident highlights the quick response and determination of the Knoxville Police Department in apprehending a suspect in a high-risk situation. Further investigation into the robbery and Covington’s actions is ongoing.
