Reaction: Troy Man Arrested for Allegedly Raping Two Women

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By Jessica Gertler

Story Created: Apr 26, 2012 at 6:00 PM CDT

Story Updated: Apr 27, 2012 at 2:22 PM CDT

From the CBS 8 Troy Newsroom-- A sigh of relief in Troy now that a man is behind bars on rape and burglary charges after police say he attacked two women in the same neighborhood on the same day last month.

Police say Andre Ellis, or better known in the community as Mr. Shine, was on their radar, but it wasn't until Wednesday night they arrested him at his auto shop on Highway 231.

CBS 8 News asked Andre Ellis the question: "Anything you'd like to say?"

"The city of Troy is making a great mistake," Ellis says.

But Troy Police Chief Jimmy Ennis begs to differ. He says Ellis raped two women, a former and current Troy University student, on March 26 within hours of each other.

"This is due to hard work, believing and not giving up," Ennis says. "But I think more importantly than that, I think it's about two very courageous young ladies."

Investigators say Ellis, who is an ex-soldier and Troy business owner, also lives in Hunter's Mountain Mobile Estates where the attacks happened.

Police say with help from the Troy University Police Department, they've worked countless hours on this case. But they say after switching their focus and reviewing details, it led to an arrest.

"Our focus and our direction was never lost," says Troy Police Sgt. Benny Scarbrough.

"It's not just a job to us, this is part of our life. We really believe in what we're doing," says Investigator Danny Barron.

Area residents say Ellis's arrest has been creating buzz around the community.

"A similar situation happened a few semesters ago. A girl got harmed, and they never caught him. This is really good you know, it shows that our justice system is working," says university student Chad Downs.

"Anytime there's a rapist that's caught and put behind bars, it's definitely a plus for all women," says area resident Sally Nagel.

Ellis is being charged with two counts of rape first degree and one count of burglary second degree.

Investigators say Ellis is not eligible for bond, because he did not appear in court for a previous charge. They say Ellis does have a criminal history.
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