Man Arrested on Robbery, Weapon Charges

JACKSONVILLE — Law officers have arrested a suspect on robbery and weapon charges, and more charges could be on the way. Late Sunday afternoon, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a call about the possible location of Shane Kirkland, 20, of Arp. The caller advised that Kirkland was seen getting into a gold colored van at a gas station in New Summerfield. The caller further advised that the van began traveling west on Highway 79 toward Jacksonville. According to authorities, Texas DPS Troopers, with assistance from the New Summerfield PD, located the van on Highway 79 just inside Jacksonville about 15 minutes later.

Authorities say that Kirkland was taken into custody without incident but that he was found to have a stolen 9 mm pistol tucked inside his waistband when he was placed into custody. While questioning the driver, it was discovered that he did not know Kirkland, and had just been approached by Kirkland seeking a ride. The driver of the van was released at that time. The 9 mm pistol was listed as stolen through the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office. Kirkland was arraigned Monday on charges of felon in possession of firearm and aggravated robbery. The bonds were set at $125,000 and $1,000,000 respectively.

He had been wanted for an aggravated robbery in Cherokee County. He is accused of pulling a knife in the Hot Spot convenience store and demanding money, cigarettes, and K-2. The incident happened Tuesday afternoon April 5th. A contingent of law officers, aided by dogs, was unable to locate Kirkland that afternoon.

Kirkland also has a no-bond probation revocation warrant for an aggravated robbery charge out of Smith County, where he was arrested July 8, 2009. Officials say other charges are still possible in Cherokee County and Rusk County, all stemming from incidents which occurred while Kirkland was allegedly on the run.