SPRINGFIELD  -- A traffic stop resulted in the arrest of a man suspected of armed robbery, burglary and assault.

Just after 9 p.m. Thursday, Effingham County Sheriff's Office Deputy Malcolm Foy initiated a traffic stop on a silver Chevy Impala after observing numerous traffic violations. The vehicle stopped but when Foy attempted to approach the driver he sped away.

 Foy pursued the vehicle down Stillwell Clyo Road. The pursuit continued to the intersection of Stillwell and Mock roads where deputies deployed spike strips.

The vehicle continued down Mock Road before crashing at the entrance to Eagle Point subdivision. Two suspects fled on foot and deputies pursued them.

The suspects were believed to be in possession of a gun and dangerous. The search continued throughout the night but was unsuccessful. 

Many hours later, dispatch received a call of gunshots and yelling in a wooded area. Deputies responded to find 19-year-old, Richie Shahghray Antio McKnight stuck in a creek and suffering from cold weather exposure. 

McKnight was taken into custody without incident and transported to the hospital to be evaluated.

 Detectives canvased the area and continued to investigate. They discovered evidence that linked McKnight to a burglary of a gun store on Dec. 18, 2018, as well as an armed robbery at a Dollar Store in Newington the week before. 

 McKnight is charged with second-degree theft by taking (felony), armed robbery, aggravated assault,possession of tools during the commission of a crime, possession of a pistol by a minor and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a crime.