Fort Worth Incident Involves Theft and Abuse of a Corpse

FORT WORTH, Texas – In a bizarre incident on Tuesday evening, 35-year-old Valerie Traglor-Ellis was arrested for stealing a mortuary transport van that had a corpse inside. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. at JPS Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Initial Theft

Fort Worth police received an emergency call from a mortuary transport employee who reported that his van was stolen from the hospital’s ambulance bay. The employee stated that he had left the van running while he went inside to pick up another body. When he returned, the van was missing. This van, containing a corpse, was crucial for transporting deceased individuals from the hospital to the mortuary.

Discovery of the Abandoned Van

Late Tuesday night, a passerby noticed the van abandoned near the perimeter of the Fort Worth Zoo. It was parked on a secluded backstreet off Park Place Avenue. The passerby promptly alerted the police, who had been actively searching for the vehicle. The officers found the van with the corpse still inside, unharmed and intact.

Apprehending the Suspect

Police quickly canvassed the area around the zoo and found Traglor-Ellis on foot. Witnesses from the JPS Hospital had observed her near the van before it was stolen. She was identified by her clothing, which matched descriptions provided by these witnesses. Fort Worth Police Officer Tracy Carter confirmed that surveillance footage from the zoo corroborated the witnesses’ accounts, showing Traglor-Ellis driving the van.

Charges and Background

Valerie Traglor-Ellis is now facing serious charges, including auto theft and abuse of a corpse. Her motive remains unclear, and it is not known whether she was aware of the corpse in the back of the van. According to public records, Traglor-Ellis has a history of misdemeanors in both Tarrant County and Wise County. She is currently being transported to Tarrant County jail for further processing.

Details of the Incident

• Location: JPS Hospital, Fort Worth, Texas
• Time of Incident: Around 7 p.m. on Tuesday
• Vehicle: Mortuary transport van
• Suspect: Valerie Traglor-Ellis, 35 years old
• Charges: Auto theft, abuse of a corpse
• Current Status: In custody, being transported to Tarrant County jail

Police Investigation

The Fort Worth Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident. Officer Tracy Carter mentioned that the situation could have escalated, but the prompt response of the police prevented any further complications. The department is also reviewing the security protocols at the hospital to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Public Response

The local community has expressed shock and concern over the incident. The theft of a vehicle, especially one containing a corpse, is an unusual and unsettling crime. Residents are relieved that the suspect was apprehended quickly and that there was no harm to the deceased individual in the van.

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Law Enforcement’s Swift Action

The quick action taken by the Fort Worth Police Department showcases their dedication to public safety and their ability to handle unusual and potentially disturbing situations effectively. This incident highlights the importance of vigilance and the role of community members in assisting law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities.

By maintaining robust communication and cooperation between the police and the community, Fort Worth can continue to address and mitigate crime effectively. The arrest of Valerie Traglor-Ellis is a testament to the effectiveness of these efforts.

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