For the month of February 2024, the Ellis Police Department responded to 107 calls for service, conducted 49 traffic stops, and issued three traffic citations. Two of the three citations were for speeding, with the highest alleged speed to be 19 mph over the posted limit. The third citation was issued to a driver for operating a semi on a non-truck route and leaving the scene of an accident.
The Ellis Police Department also investigated a dangerous dog incident in which two dogs left their owner's property and attacked another community member's dog in its own yard. The owner of the dogs that were responsible for the attack was issued a citation for dog at large (x2), no city pet tag (x2), as well as no proof of rabies vaccination (x2). There will also be a hearing before the municipal court on at 8 a.m. March 15 to determine if the dogs are to be deemed dangerous.
The Ellis Police Department encourages you to register your dog with the Ellis City Clerk's Office. Registering your dog ensures we can get your dog home to you in a timely manner, as well as providing us with a way to contact you to retrieve your dog or a way to contact you in an emergency if your dog has been injured while being at large.
The Ellis Police Department also conducted several felony and misdemeanor investigations, resulting in two adult arrests.
The following adults were arrested in February by the Ellis Police Department:
On Feb. 11, Nathan Schuckman was arrested on suspicion of possession of THC and drug paraphernalia. He was cited and released.
On Feb. 14, William Sullins, was arrested on suspicion of leaving the scene of an accident. He was cited and released.
The Ellis Police Department is providing this information to assist the public in being informed on what is occurring in their community. All persons listed in this release are considered innocent until proven guilty.
During the month of February, the Ellis Police Department fielded numerous scam calls. I encourage you to read the Town Crier that was sent out with your water bill in March. In it, you will find some examples of scam calls that the Ellis Police Department fielded.
In one instance, one of our community members divulged their entire Social Security number and banking login information. Luckily, no money was lost, and the community member was able to close their accounts and contact the Social Security Administration. You will also find examples of common schemes that scammers use to steal your information and money.
Did you know the Ellis Police Department offers free fingerprinting services? From child care, real estate, and teacher licensing to applications for suppressors — we can handle it. We don't take appointments, but we can certainly try to make sure an officer is available to help if you call ahead. To inquire about fingerprinting, please call Ellis County Communications at 785-625-1011 and ask to speak to an Ellis Police Officer about fingerprinting services.
Finally, I am running out of photos to post alongside these releases. If you have taken a cool photo, send it to us and I'll pick my favorite to use in next month's department activity report. Naturally, if you send the photo to us, you are granting us permission to use it in the post and make edits to it, including adding wording and an EPD watermark to it. We can also credit you if you wish!
Thank you all for your support! Spring is around the corner!
-Chief Smith