Carjacking suspect flees in stolen hotel shuttle van

Spokane police arrested a carjacking suspect Monday after he allegedly assaulted three people while attempting to steal their vehicles, then fled from police in a stolen hotel shuttle van. Police believe David A. Ellis, 26, attempted to steal cars from three people in downtown Spokane Monday morning between 8:40 and 9 a.m. In each case, Ellis allegedly assaulted the vehicle’s owner and fled on foot after he was unable to take the vehicle, police said in a news release. After failing to take those vehicles, police believe Ellis stole a shuttle van from the DoubleTree Hotel near the Spokane Convention Center. Officers located him driving erratically near the intersection of West Mallon Avenue and North Elm Street. Police were able to arrest Ellis after a foot chase. He now faces robbery and assault charges. Police believe Ellis was involved in several other car thefts and will likely add additional charges as the investigation progresses.