ACSO - News Release

PITTSBURGH, PA - Sheriff William P. Mullen announces the apprehension of Ellis Ross, 24 years old from the Vallejo, California and Ronald Lewis, 44 years old from Wilkinsburg. Ross was wanted out of Solano County in California on Criminal Homicide charges. The incident stems from a shooting on February 6, 2010 around 01:40 AM PST. California officers state that the victim was walking out of a liquor store when he encountered Ross. The victim raised his hands to surrender and was shot numerous times by Ross. Soon thereafter, Ross was arrested on DUI charges by neighboring county. Sheriff’s deputies did not have any information tying Ross to the murder at this time and he was subsequently released from custody. Since this incident, Ross has been on the run and made his way to the Pittsburgh area in coming weeks.

This afternoon, sheriff deputies were in the Wilkinsburg area of town executing non-support warrants. Deputies noticed a vehicle moving at a high rate of speed toward their vehicles and made a right hand turn on Maple Avenue. Deputies followed this vehicles path noticing that the driver was disregarding traffic signs and ran the stop sign at the 1300 block of Maple Avenue. After observing the careless driving, deputies initiated a traffic stop. Deputies asked the driver, Ronald Lewis for his license and he stated that he did not have a driver’s license. Due to driving illegally, Lewis was asked to step out of the vehicle. While questioning the driver, deputies asked the passenger, Ross Ellis if there was anything else that they should know. Ellis responded stating that “I have some marijuana on me.” After Ellis stepped out of the vehicle for a pat-down, a large amount of marijuana fell out from underneath his jacket. Both actors were placed under arrest and ran for wants and warrants. Ronald Lewis came back with a positive hit for a warrant out of Magistrate Hoots office for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. Ellis’ check came back positive as well for a Criminal Homicide charge out of Solano County in California. Both actors were placed under arrest without incident and taken to the Allegheny County Jail to be arraigned on their respective charges.

Lewis will be charged with Hindering the Apprehension of a Fugitive, Fleeing and Eluding, Distribution of a Controlled Substance, False Reports to Law Enforcement and a multitude of motor vehicle violations. Ross will be charged with Distritubtion of a Controlled Substance and Fugitive from Justice charges in connection with the arrest warrant issued from Solano County, California.

For any media requesting a picture of Ross or Lewis, please visit the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office “Most Wanted” website.