— Multi-agency police team makes arrest at Osoyoos house —
(OSOYOOS TIMES — August 2, 2006) —
After weeks of frustration, pursuits and missed opportunities, RCMP Corporal Harold Hallett reported early Thursday morning that police have finally apprehended truck thief Michael Edward Ellis, in Osoyoos.
At 11:35 p.m. on July 26, officers from the local detachment, Southeast District General Investigation Services, Penticton Detachment, Midway Detachment, Penticton Police Dog Service and the Oliver-Osoyoos Detachment approached a residence in the 8200 block of 87th Street.
The owner of the house consented to a search and Ellis, 32 years old, and his brother Christopher Wayne Ellis, 29, were found hiding under beds and arrested without incident. Two women were also discovered and were not co-operative. One was arrested for obstruction and resisting arrest. She was later released and charges are being considered.
Due to the numerous sightings and attempts to catch the Ellis brothers by both police and citizens, RCMP believed it was in the public interest to get a team together to apprehend them in a safe manner. Police used surveillance and other methods, resulting in the arrests.
Christopher was arrested on a Canada-wide warrant for suspension of his statutory release (for previous convictions of dangerous driving, causing pursuit, possession of break-in instruments, and theft over $5,000).
Michael was arrested for an outstanding warrant for breach of probation (for failing to report to his probation officer). He had been released June 11 after serving just four months for a previous truck theft in 2005, although RCMP believe he was responsible for a rash of thefts over several months. He received a six-month jail term and two years' probation for that conviction.
Since his release, several thefts of Ford F-350s, F-250s and F-150s in the Osoyoos, Oliver, Penticton, Midway, Rock Creek and Greenwood areas have been reported. Most vehicles were recovered within a short time of being stolen.
The Ellis brothers appeared in Penticton Provincial Court on July 27. They have been charged with the following:rnMichael Ellis: dangerous driving; causing pursuit and failure to stop for police; theft over $5,000; possession of stolen property over $5,000; possession of a weapon; and failure to comply with a probation order.
Christopher Ellis: escaping lawful custody. His parole has also been revoked.
The two remain in custody. Their next court appearance was scheduled for July 31.
At 5:30 p.m. on July 23, a homeowner on Wagon Wheel Road in Bridesville reported seeing a truck leaving his premises. He later discovered someone had used an anvil to break into his garage and had stolen some tools. Then at 6 p.m. on July 24, a Ford F-350 truck was observed in the Bridesville area. A citizen reported seeing Michael Ellis driving it.
Several citizens then followed Ellis to a residence on Mount Baldy Road in Oliver. One citizen blocked the entrance to the road with his own vehicle, and Ellis emerged from the vehicle brandishing a chainsaw. The citizens were able to take control of the situation and make a citizens' arrest. Leaving Ellis in the custody of one person, others went to wave down a police car. Ellis managed to escape and ran into the bush. The truck was later discovered to have been stolen out of Trail.
Police believe these arrests will have a significant impact on the crime rate in Osoyoos, Oliver and the surrounding areas. Hallett says the RCMP is inviting the public to submit victim impact statements for this case.
Anyone who has been a victim of a Ford F-series truck theft in the area since June 11 is encouraged to submit a victim impact statement to us to say how the theft of their truck has affected them. Some people were unable to work as a result of the thefts, or had tools and other property stolen from their trucks, Hallett says. He adds that he wishes to thank the many citizens for their assistance in apprehending the Ellis brothers. Many phone calls and tips came from the public during this investigation.
