MASON CITY – Police in Mason City removed a violent man with no permanent address from the streets after they responded to a disturbance this week.
Thanks to a tip, in the early morning hours of September 1, a subject known to be in possession of a firearm and drugs was located by police at 2401 South Federal Avenue. The man left that address, however, and police were able to locate him nearby in the 2100 block of South Georgia Ave.
As police investigated, suspected methamphetamine and a handgun with an altered serial number were found on the suspect – 23-year-old James Albert Ellingson. Police said Ellingson is believed to live in Mason City but has no permanent address. He was arrested on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, and Fraudulent Practices 4th Degree (this charge stems from the firearm’s serial # being altered).
Ellingson remains held in the county jail on $16,000 cash-only bond.
Records show Ellingson began committing serious, violent crimes in Black Hawk county a few years back, which included domestic abuse assault with a weapon and assault with a weapon, harassment, theft, public drunkeness and other crimes. He was also committing crimes ion Bremer county before he started here in Mason City as he began work with a tree trimming company. He was arrested for interfering with a police officer and pled guilty to that crime earlier this year. Records show he was ordered to pay $496.88 in fines and court fees but never made a payment. A third party debt collector is working the case now.
