Sheriff's Office looking for driver of fatal hit-and-run

OROVILLE, Calif. - The Butte County Sheriff's Office is searching for the driver of a fatal hit and run collision.

Deputies said they originally thought the passenger was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, but after further investigation they have issued a warrant for George Daniel Ellis III, 43, of Orland.

Deputies said they believe Ellis was driving at the time of the collision. Ellis is described as a white man, 6-feet-4-inches tall, 180-200 pounds, with dark hair and a goatee.

According to deputies, on April 6 around 8:50 p.m., a deputy tried to make a traffic stop on a vehicle, which immediately sped off in an attempt to evade him.

Deputies pursued the stolen vehicle, but it outdistanced them. The driver lost control, ran off the road and overturned, ejecting and killing one of the occupants.

According to deputies, Jeffery Stogsdill, 24, of Oroville was originally thought to be the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the collision. However, after further investigation, deputies determined that Stogsdill was the passenger of the vehicle.

The driver had survived and fled the scene before deputies arrived.

Ellis was reportedly wearing grey tattered shorts, a blue shirt and black sneakers with neon green laces and no socks when last seen.

Ellis also sustained injuries in the crash.

Ellis is known to frequent the Chico, Paradise and Oroville areas. The Oroville office of the California Highway Patrol and Butte County Sheriff's Office is seeking information from any member of the public who may have information regarding this incident or the whereabouts of Ellis.