The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is investigating three armed robberies from late Wednesday night.  The first one occurred at 10:14 at the Mr. Gas at 13065 Kingston Pike.  The suspect entered the business, pointed a gun at the employees and told them, “It isn’t worth dying for and give me the money.”  They handed over several hundred dollars to him.  He is described as a white male, 18-25 years old, dark shirt, blue jeans, dark hat and what appeared to be a black shirt wrapped around his face.  His weapon was a small black handgun, semi automatic type.  He left the business running in an eastbound direction.

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The same suspect is believed to have held up the Weigels at 1000 N. Cedar Bluff road at 11:04.  The clerk said the suspect walked up to the counter and brandished a black handgun and demanded all the money.  The clerk said she was in shock and as she looked at the gunman he said he would “blow her head off” if she didn’t hand over the money.  She then opened the register and the suspect grabbed the money and also took money from a box from under the counter. The suspect then ran somewhere behind the store.

 Detectives believe this same man may also be responsible for holding up the Shell Station in Loudon last night before moving into Knox County.

 A different suspect robbed the Ingles at 11917 Kingston Pike at 11:05.  The suspect went to the customer service desk and pointed a silver semi-automatic handgun at the manager and another employee and demanded money.  The suspect emptied the cash drawer.  He was wearing a dark blue ski mask over his face and wore gloves.  He also had on a green army type jacket, cargo pants, black work boots, and dark tinted goggles.