APPEALS COURT AFFIRMS GRIMES COUNTY MAN’S CONVICTION
(Grimes Co. Jail)
A Grimes County defendant sentenced to eight years in prison had his conviction upheld today (Wednesday) by the 1st Court of Appeals.
The 1st Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of Roosevelt Ellis for Evading Arrest/Detention in a Vehicle.
The court issued a memorandum opinion in which they said they found no reversible error and affirmed the 506th District Court judgment.
District Attorney Andria Bender and Assistant D.A. Tammy Thomas wrote the State’s brief in the case
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.
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, he proceeded to take off all his clothes and resist arrest.
ADA Thomas, who prosecuted the original case, stated that Ellis shouted an expletive at the officers, and allegedly said that he hopes someone shoots them.
The jury trial in August of 2024 was presided over by 506th District Court Judge Gary Chaney. After two days of testimony, along with 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.