GRIMES COUNTY JURY FINDS NAKED MAN GUILTY OF EVADING ARREST
A man that was not wearing any clothing at the time of his apprehension was found guilty of Evading Arrest in a Vehicle by a Grimes County Jury.
The charge stems from an April 18, 2022 incident in which Navasota Police were called to a report of a fight in progress at Magnolia Plaza.
The suspect, 53-year-old Roosevelt Ellis, is said to have fled the scene in a white dually truck.
Officer Victoria Gochnour observed the truck at the intersection of FM 379 and West Washington Street. She attempted to make a traffic stop, but Ellis accelerated, and the pursuit began.
The chase ended at Ellis’ home with units arriving at the scene as he was pulling into his driveway. As the officers initiated a felony takedown, Ellis proceeded to take off all his clothes and resist arrest.
According to Assistant D.A. Tammy Thomas, who prosecuted the case, Ellis shouted an expletive at the officers, and allegedly said that he hopes someone shoots them.
A jury trial began earlier this month that was presided over by 506th District Court Judge Gary Chaney. After two days of testimony and watching video of the pursuit and the arrest, the jury found Ellis guilty of Evading Arrest in a Vehicle, which is a third-degree felony.
The jury sentenced Ellis to eight years in prison.
The Defense requested an appeal bond, which is allowed under Texas law when the sentence is less than 10 years in prison. Prosecutors wanted a $50,000 bond, but the judge set the amount at $15,000.
Ellis posted bond, and will remain out of custody until his conviction is reviewed by the Court of Appeals.