PRESS RELEASE
To: Local Press
From: Chris Heitman, Belle City Marshal
Belle, Missouri 573-859-3535, Cell 314-540-4162
Reference: High Speed Vehicle Pursuit involving wanted felony, Zachary Ellis
On March 12, 2007 at approximately 2025 hours K-9 Officer Chris Pyle, and Marshal Chris Heitman were involved in a high-speed pursuit with Zachary Ellis. Ellis is wanted by the State of Missouri Board of Probation and Parole for a probation violation, on felony possession of a controlled substance, felony 2nd Degree Assault, and receiving stolen property. Ellis is known to be violent.
During the course of this pursuit Ellis traveled at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. Officers pursued Ellis out of the Belle City Limits into Maries County, into Osage County, and then into Gasconade County. Ellis nearly stuck an Officer’s vehicle, and nearly struck several other vehicles during the course of the pursuit. Ellis ran citizens off the roadway and traveling at speed in excess of 100 miles per hour and illegally passing vehicles he obviously had no concern for the safety of the general public. For safety reasons Officers reduced their speed to avoid placing the general public in any further risk. Ellis was then able to evade Officers while inside of Gasconade County. The Belle Police Department was assisted by the Osage County Sheriff’s Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Gasconade County Sheriff's Department.
Unfortunately, high-speed pursuits are a part of law enforcement, and during pursuits my first concern is always public safety. I will try my hardest to avoid placing the public in jeopardy during these pursuits.
If you know the whereabouts of Ellis, or spot him please contact your local law enforcement immediately. For safety reasons do not approach Ellis. You may contact the Belle Police Department at 573-859-3535.
To: Local Press
From: Chris Heitman, Marshal
Belle, Missouri
Reference: Belle Police Executed Search Warrant & Recover Meth Lab
K-9 Officer Chris Pyle, Marshal Chris Heitman and a member of the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group executed a search warrant at 302 Withouse Drive in the City of Belle. Officers were assisted by Deputy Mark Freeman of the Maries County Sheriff’s Department. During the course of the search officers located suspected methamphetamine, several items of drug paraphernalia relating to the manufacture of methamphetamine, including a tank containing anhydrous ammonia. Officers discovered that the suspects had just "cooked" a batch of methamphetamine just hours prior to their arrival.
Officers arrested David M. Luecke Jr. (28) of Belle for manufacture of a controlled substance a class B Felony, and possession of a controlled substance a class C Felony. Officers also arrested Tiffany A. Siddons (17) of Belle for possession of a controlled
substance a class C Felony. David Luecke Jr. was held on a 24-hour hold at the Maries County Jail pending warrant application. Tiffany Siddons was held on a 24-hour hold at the Phelps County Jail pending warrant application.
The Belle Police Department later made application for an arrest warrant with the Maries County Prosecutor Terry Schwartze. A warrant was later issued on David Luecke Jr. with a bond of $25,000.00. A warrant was also issued for Tiffany Siddons with a bond of $10,000.00.
I would again like to the Maries County Prosecutor Terry Schwartze for her assistance in fighting the war on drugs.
I would also like to remind citizens if they smell a foul odor, which they think might be a meth lab, to report it to the local authorities. It is better to be safe then sorry. You may contact the Belle Police Department at 573-859-3535.
Other News
On 02-25-2007 Marshal Heitman received information that Aaron Lewis, who is wanted for several felonies, was at a residence located at 615 Taylor Avenue in Belle. Belle Officers, members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Maries County Sheriff’s Department, and the Osage County Sheriff’s Department responded to that residence. It was discovered that Aaron Lewis and a female companion, who was also wanted on felony charges, had just left the residence an hour prior to their arrival. While inside the residence Officers located an item related to the manufacture of methamphetamine. The Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group was called to assist in the investigation, and removal of the dangerous item. A portion of that substance was tested and it was positive for methamphetamine.
I am hoping to obtain charges on this incident after further investigation.
Update: Aaron Lewis was arrested in Owensville on February 28, 2007. Lewis is suspected of stealing numerous vehicles nation wide.
On 02-23-07 Marshal Heitman conducted a traffic stop on Highway 28 near Route EE on a speeding vehicle, and for illegal window tent. K-9 Officer Chris Pyle was called to the scene to assist. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle locating a suspected marijuana pipe, and a bag of suspected cocaine. Officers arrested the driver of the vehicle Gina M. Reynolds (20) of Arnold Missouri. The Belle Police Department was also assisted by the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group with this investigation. Reynolds was issued citations for Speeding, and possession of drug paraphernalia. There may also be additional felony charges pending on Reynolds and a passenger of the vehicle, whose name is being withheld pending warrant application.
