Ellis Found Not Guilty

A 'not guilty' verdict has left many Osoyoos residents shaking their heads.

Michael Ellis of Osoyoos was arrested in July 2006 after allegedly causing a police pursuit in a stolen vehicle.

Judge Gale Sinclair has found enough reasonable doubt in the case to render a verdict of not guilty for charges of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, failing to stop for a police officer, theft over $5,000, causing a police pursuit, possession of stolen property and failing to comply with a probation order.

Sinclair says he felt it's possible RCMP Constable Mike Sim, prosecution witness, may have mis-identified the man responsible for the incident.

Michael's brother, Christopher Ellis, says he was the person responsible for the pursuit, claiming he was the one who fled from Sim after he attempted to make an arrest at the Osoyoos Shell gas station.

Sim says he has no doubt the man who fled from him was Michael Ellis, not Christopher.

He says while investigating a robbery of the Shell station he saw Michael Ellis at a phone booth. After making eye contact with Sim, Ellis jumped into a stolen pick-up truck and fled the scene, causing a police pursuit.

On July 26, Michael was arrested at an Osoyoos residence along with brother Christopher, who was wanted for failing to report to his parole officer.

During the trial, the defence lawyer reminded the judge that Christopher Ellis had claimed responsibility for the incident.

Crown Counsel, Nashina Devji, says Sim is a 27-year RCMP veteran with experience in identifying people and he had previous dealings with Michael Ellis.

She says Christopher's testimony was likely based on an attempt to prevent his brother from serving jail time.

Although found not guilty of the charges, Michael Ellis remains in custody to await the start of another trial next month. He is facing charges of theft over $5,000, possession of stolen property and possession of a dangerous weapon from incidents which took place in Trail and Bridesville last year.

Christopher Ellis appeared in Penticton Provincial Court earlier this week to face charges from a January 2 incident including kidnapping, robbery and dangerous driving.

He allegedly caused a high-speed chase after stealing a vehicle with an elderly woman and her two young grandchildren still inside.