Police: Centralia Man Stabs Roommate in the Neck While High on Meth

A Centralia man high on meth stabbed his roommate multiple times, including once in the neck, cutting his carotid artery, according to authorities.

The victim survived the attack, and the suspect, Darren E. Ellis Jr., 26, was arrested by Centralia police officers after a Taser deployment. Ellis was charged with first-degree assault and is being held in the Lewis County Jail on $100,000 bail.

According to a probable cause affidavit, officers went to a residence in the 1400 block of Maple Valley Drive at around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday on a report that someone had been stabbed.

The alleged victim held gauze to his neck while he spoke with officers, and his statement was eventually cut short as he was taken away by paramedics. Before that time, however, he said to police he was standing at his van outside the residence when Ellis, his roommate, began to ask him about his day. After that, the victim reported he felt a burning sensation on his neck and arm.

He touched the injury to find the wound covered in blood, documents indicate.

He was taken to a Tacoma hospital, where it was determined his carotid artery had been cut. A knife or other weapon was not located at the scene, documents indicate. Police received photos detailing injuries to the alleged victim’s neck, torso and arms — all appearing consistent with stabbing injuries.

Other people in the house told police they heard Ellis start to yell that the victim “attempted to put his hands down Ellis’s pants.”

Ellis wasn’t at the scene when police arrived, but officers say they spotted him later walking toward the house. He allegedly failed to comply with commands to get on the ground and stated that an officer should shoot him. Eventually, an officer fired a Taser to bring him into custody.

According to documents, Ellis told police the entire ordeal was a blur and his actions were drug-induced. He had been using meth and taking prescription drugs, he said.

During a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court Wednesday afternoon, Deputy Prosecutor Paul Masiello requested Ellis be placed on $100,000 bail. While he has limited criminal history, to include two misdemeanor convictions of third-degree theft and driving with a suspended license, he said Ellis represents a threat to community safety. Additionally, he asked for a protection order prohibiting contact with the alleged victim an order prohibiting he possess a gun or other weapons. Judge James Lawler granted all the requests.

Defense attorney Rachael Tiller, in speaking with Ellis, said they reserve their right to argue for bail amount.

Ellis has an arraignment hearing on Thursday.