Repeat offender attempts to steal from Home Depot wearing ski mask, scuffle ensues with officers, police say

Kevin Christopher Ellis, 35, of the 2000 block of Lansing Street in Philadelphia, is facing a felony charge as a repeat offender for retail theft for an incident at Home Depot, according to police.

On Saturday, May 31 at 7:34 p.m., police officers from the Upper Moreland Police Department were dispatched to the Home Depot in Willow Grove, 2250 Easton Road, for a report of a theft in progress.

Officers spoke with a store employee when they arrived on scene, who told police officers that  a male, later identified as Ellis, walked into the store wearing all black, a black ski mask, and glasses. 

Ellis matched information for a subject who attempted similar retail thefts from Home Depot in Upper Moreland Township and neighboring jurisdictions. 

Police officers tried to detain Ellis inside the store, however, Ellis attempted to remove his hooded sweatshirt and run away, according to police. After a struggle, assistance was needed from additional officers to eventually detain Ellis. 

One officer suffered an abrasion to his right thumb, and another officer suffered a scrape and burn to his right elbow, according to police.

According to documents, Ellis has three previous retail theft convictions. He faces another felony charge of retail theft from this incident, as well as charges of resisting arrest, and evading arrest or detention by foot. 

All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.