People v. Ellis

Defendant, Eric Ellis, was indicted for the offense of arson. Defendant filed a motion to suppress alleging that his warrantless arrest on August 18, 1983, was made without probable cause. After a hearing, the trial court granted defendant’s motion to suppress items of clothing seized from defendant and statements defendant made to police. The State appeals this ruling.

Special Bethalto police officers Tim Lowrance and Robert Baker gave testimony concerning the arrest of defendant on August 18, 1983. The police officers stated that at approximately 12:30 a.m. they were dispatched to the…