Penticton

A Toronto man wanted in connection with sexual assault related offences has been located in the Okanagan after living in Penticton for nine years under an assumed identity.

Photo: RCMP

Edward Melvin Ellis

Edward Melvin Ellis, originally from Toronto, was arrested Thursday night in Penticton on an outstanding Canada wide Warrant.

The Penticton RCMP was initially tipped off last April by the Toronto Police Service Fugitive Squad.

The 51 year-old Ellis was wanted out of Toronto to face charges dating back to 1999 for Forcible Confinement, Sexual Assault and Assault Causing Bodily Harm.

Ellis, described as a violent individual, had eluded detection until the Toronto Police received a tip that he was in the BC Interior.

Penticton RCMP investigators and crime analysts conducted an extensive search of local police files and open source records to confirm the tip.

On Thursday, July 5, members of the Penticton RCMP Community Safety Team supported by an RCMP Police Service Dog attended a residence in the 1000 block of Poplar Grove Rd and arrested Ellis without incident.

Upon arrest, Ellis conceded to police that he had been looking over his shoulder since 1999, wondering if and when police would catch up with him.

“We are certain that news of his arrest will bring a certain degree of solace to the victim of this crime. It’s another prime example of how crucial it is for persons with information about a crime to come forward and do the right thing," says Cpl Dan Moskaluk.

"Time and time again we urge people that no matter how long it has been, it’s never too late to provide information about any crime, especially serious crimes of violence. There are many options for coming forward, either directly or anonymously via Crime Stoppers.”

Ellis appeared in court Friday and remains in custody with arrangements being made for his immediate return to Toronto. 

If you have photos or video of the arrest send them to news@castanet.net