According to a press release from the Grimes County District Attorney’s Office, “On Friday, August 9, 2024, Roosevelt Ellis, age, 53, was found guilty of Evading in Vehicle by a Grimes County Jury.
On April 18, 2022, the Navasota Police Department received a report of a fight in progress at Magnolia Plaza. According to the reporting party, Roosevelt Ellis fled the disturbance in a white dually truck.
Officer Victoria Gochnour, who was responding to the call for service, observed the white dually truck at FM 379 and West Washington. When Gochnour initiated a traffic stop, Roosevelt Ellis accelerated and a pursuit began. During the pursuit, Ellis made a loop trying to evade law enforcement before eventually stopping at his home.
Police units arrived on scene as Roosevelt Ellis pulled into his driveway. A felony take down was initiated. Ellis took off all of his clothing and then resisted arrest as he was taken into custody.
On August 6, 2024, a jury trial began, presided over by 506th District Judge Gary Chaney. After hearing two full days of testimony and watching video of the pursuit and arrest, the jury found Roosevelt Ellis guilty of Evading Arrest in a Vehicle, which is a 3rd degree felony.
During the punishment phase of the trial, Assistant DA Tammy Thomas, presented evidence of multiple felony convictions for Roosevelt Ellis. Thomas also put on testimony about another incident where Ellis pulled a gun out during a confrontation.
The jury sentenced Ellis to 8 years in prison after hearing argument from both the State and the defense.
The defense requested an appeal bond, which is allowed under Texas law when a jury sentences a defendant to less than 10 years in prison. The State argued for a $50,000 bond. The Judge set the appeal bond at $15,000.
Roosevelt Ellis did post bond. He will remain out of custody until the conviction is reviewed by the Court of Appeals.”
“Roosevelt Ellis initiated a confrontation at Magnolia Plaza, fled the scene, led a police chase through the City of Navasota and then resisted arrest. After being taken into custody, he told the arresting officer ‘[explicative] the police. I hope all y’all get shot by somebody.’ After seeing the evidence, the jury found Ellis guilty and held him accountable for his criminal behavior with a prison sentence. This type of blatant disregard and disrespect to law enforcement is not tolerated in the Grimes County community.”— Assistant District Attorney Tammy Thomas
Photo from Grimes County District Attorney’s Office Press Release