Photo: Matthew St. Claire
Two Marion County men have been arrested after a woman called 911 reporting a suspicious truck in her driveway, followed by individuals shining lights into the windows of her home and attempting to kick in her door.
According to the probable cause affidavit, 27-year-old Matthew St. Claire of Pyatt and Isaac Elliott, whose age was not available, have been arrested in connection with the incident leading to two chases by law enforcement.
When the first deputy arrived at the scene, he observed a pickup truck backed sideways to a partially opened garage door at the residence along Marion County Road 4009. He then observed a man, later identified as St. Claire, wearing a dark-colored hoodie run out of the garage to the rear of the property and through a gap in a fence.
A foot pursuit ensued, while the deputy heard what appeared to be the truck speeding from the house.
The chase continued through the woods for about a quarter of a mile, with both the suspect and the deputy falling multiple times. The suspect crashed through a large thorn bush, continuing to crawl away, leading the deputy to Tase him, as he attempted to stand and run.
With the suspect handcuffed, the deputy called for assistance in pursuing the truck.
A short time later, the assisting officer advised the truck had wrecked on Marion County 4007, and the driver had fled.
The deputy with St. Claire in custody returned to the residence, where a heavily damaged garage door was observed.
Leaving the residence en route to the wrecked vehicle, the deputy observed what appeared to be the truck’s grill in the roadway and on a separate road the pickup’s front bumper.
At the scene of the wrecked vehicle, two loaded rifles were located, along with a baseball cap on the ground leaning towards a barbed wire fence with a portion of a torn shirt attached indicating where it appeared the suspect had traveled.
The truck had exited the road, tore though about 50 feet of fencing, continuing on about 200 feet before crashing into bushes and more fencing.
St. Clair reportedly identified his alleged accomplice as Elliott, leading law enforcement to locate the man’s photo on social media wearing what appeared to be the same cap found at the scene of the wrecked vehicle.
A short while later, dispatch advised Elliott’s wife had called to report the pickup truck stolen.
Law enforcement located the suspect at his nearby home where he alleged he had been the entire evening. He then alleged St. Clair had stolen his truck.
Officers noted multiple scratches on Elliott’s face and legs consistent with someone having after running through thorns and briars. An officer also located wet clothing and boots at the residence.
St. Clair has been charged with felony counts of residential burglary; breaking or entering; possession of a firearm by certain persons, meaning he is a convicted felon; possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal mischief; as well as two misdemeanors. His bond was set at $20,000.
Charges for Elliott were not provided on online documents.
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