— Faces charges from June 12 & May 3 arrests —
(OSOYOOS TIMES — June 20, 2007) —
By Julie TurnerrnOsoyoos Times
An RCMP investigation of a vehicle last Tuesday led to multiple drug and weapons charges against 33-year-old Michael Ellis of Oliver and Rock Creek and 52-year-old Leonard Ferris of Oroville, Wash., who was in Canada illegally.
At around 4 p.m., June 12, South Okanagan Traffic Services stopped a Dodge Dakota pick-up truck “ bearing Washington licence plates “ on Highway 97 near Eckhardt Avenue in Penticton to verify ownership of a motorcycle in the truck.
At the time, police were looking for a motorcycle reported stolen.
RCMP Corporal Dan Moskaluk says, Upon speaking with the occupants, police immediately noted that both passengers were nervous and observed that the passenger appeared to be attempting to conceal a large can of irritant/bear spray.
The driver and passenger were arrested and a vehicle search found:rn¢ A sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun (a prohibited weapon) wrapped in newspaper.
¢ A loaded 38-calibre revolver.
¢ A loaded Luger semi-automatic 15-round capacity magazine.
¢ Numerous varying ammunition rounds.
¢ A working radio scanner with a list of Canadian and American police/border patrol- related frequencies, numerous cell phones and two-way radios.
¢ 180 grams of cocaine.
¢ 21 grams of crystal methamphetamine.
¢ 42 tablets believed to be ecstasy.
¢ Drug trade paraphernalia.
Both men were held in custody and multiple charges have been laid in conjunction with this joint investigation by the South Okanagan Traffic Services, Oliver-Osoyoos RCMP and Immigration Canada.
Ellis is charged with possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order.
He appeared in Penticton Provincial Court on Monday, June 18 on these charges and on charges stemming from a May 3 vehicle accident near 350th Avenue and 95th Street in Oliver, after which he was arrested with a female.
The additional charges against Ellis are dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, breach of probation and obstruction of a peace officer. A charge of obstruction of a peace officer has also been laid against 22-year-old Greenwood resident Jessica Bryan in connection with the May 3 incident.
Ferris has been charged with possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition, and obstruction of a peace officer. He also appeared in court on Monday.
Moskaluk says Immigration Canada is seeking a deportation warrant for Ferris, who has an extensive criminal record both in Canada and the U.S.A.
Police did not confirm who was driving the truck and are still investigating to determine ownership of the truck and motorcycle.
We're fortunate and glad that it didn't escalate into a pursuit and endanger the lives of the public and of the officers involved, Moskaluk says.
