Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

Robert Leroy Ellis Booking Photo | Humboldt County Correctional Facility

On May 27, 2023, at about 3:45 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence on the 3100 block of Patrick’s Point Drive in Trinidad for the report of a burglary in progress.

According to the homeowner, an unknown male suspect was captured on surveillance video burglarizing the residence while no one was home. Deputies arrived in the area and located items associated with the suspect identifying him as 46-year-old Robert Leroy Ellis, and items stolen from the home stashed nearby. Deputies recovered the stolen items and began searching the area for Ellis.

During their search, deputies located a stolen vehicle parked along the roadway nearby. This vehicle was later confirmed to be associated with Ellis. While continuing the investigation, a Sheriff’s deputy observed Ellis walking on the 100 block of Main Street. The deputy attempted to detain Ellis, who began to flee. Ellis was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit and struggle. During a search of Ellis and his belongings incident to arrest, deputies located the keys to the stolen vehicle and drug paraphernalia.

Ellis was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of burglary (PC 459/461(a)), grand theft (PC 487), possession of stolen property (PC 496(a)), false identification to a peace officer (PC 148.9(a)), resisting arrest (PC 148(a)(1)), possession of a controlled substance paraphernalia (HS 11364(a)), possession of a stolen vehicle (PC 496d(a)) and violation of probation (PC 1203.2(a)(2)), in addition to a warrant for violation of probation.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.