THPD captures wanted murder suspect after standoff

Ellinger

Several members of the community described having a feeling of relief after a wanted murder suspect was captured following  a nearly 6 -hour police standoff  on the north side of Terre Haute today.

Peck “Buddy” Ellinger Jr. 42,  had been on the run since the June 10 murder of Thomas "Pete" Fuller, 33, at the Greenwood Manor apartment complex.  Fuller was found dead from a gunshot wound,  and Ellinger-- the sole suspect -- had an outstanding warrant for murder, aggravated battery, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon from the onset of the Terre Haute Police Department investigation.

An aunt of Fuller had followed the news of Ellinger's capture as the day's events unfolded.

"Now my nephew can rest in peace," Charlene Crum said.

THPD Officers were dispatched to 1457 Barbour Ave. on a tip that the suspect was at the residence at about 11:30 a.m. Officers came out of the residence with Ellinger several hours later,  at around 5 p.m. A large crowd had gathered near the scene and loud cheers were heard as officers escorted Ellinger to a police car. Supportive chants for the THPD and 'Justice for Pete' were some of the cheers heard from the crowd, which included friends and family of the homicide victim.

Chief of Police Shawn Keen said the department appreciates community support and is pleased with the peaceful resolution of the situation today.

"We are very appreciative of the support of the community and those that provided information leading to the arrest of Ellinger, "  Keen said. "I am also very proud of the efforts of the members of the special response team, hostage negotiators, and uniformed personnel that resulted in the apprehension of a dangerous fugitive without injury to any persons." 
                  
Officers arrived on the scene and immediately surrounded the residence before speaking with a female resident who gave them permission to enter,  Keen said, adding that the Terre Haute Police Department’s Special Response Team was activated once Ellinger was believed to be the only person inside the house.  

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Keen

"After hours of attempting to get Ellinger to speak with officers or exit the residence, officers utilized a diversionary device and other measures in an attempt to locate him inside the residence.  After an extensive search inside the residence, members of the Special Response Team located a hidden compartment created with a movable book shelf in the bathroom.  Ellinger was found in this compartment and taken into custody without incident," Keen explained.

Victim Thomas "Pete" Fuller is pictured with his children/ Submitted photo

Officers reportedly found what appeared to be a synthetic male wig inside of a ball cap, beside a pair of dark sunglasses allegedly used for disguise purposes as the suspect eluded police capture. The suspect also apparently had an extensive surveillance system set up on the premises. Keen said that Duke Energy was contacted to disable power to the residence in an effort to disable the camera system.  Power was restored in the area immediately following the standoff.  ​​

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