Prineville Man Arrested in Illegal Elk Shooting
by Cheryl McDermott
Suspect arrested for being an ex-convict in possession of a firearm,
additional charges possible
A Prineville man may face charges for poaching two elk out of season
after the investigation of a drunken driving incident led to two
arrests, according to a news release from the Oregon State Police (OSP)
Fish and Wildlife Division.
Billy Wade Wells, 42, was arrested Wednesday, October 4, for
suspicion of being an ex-convict in possession of a firearm. He was
lodged in the Crook County Jail and may face additional charges of
aiding the unlawful taking of a big-game animal; and two counts each of
the illegal taking of a big game animal during closed season, and wanton
waste of a big game animal.
Wells was arrested after an investigation that began with the arrest
of Anthony Cipriano, a 51-year old Prineville resident, on Tuesday about
8:15 p.m. for driving under the influence of intoxicants. Crook County
deputies learned that Cipriano’s vehicle may have been involved in a
shooting complaint at Highland Flats, about 25 miles north of
Prineville.
The following day, the sheriff’s office provided information to the OSP
Fish and Wildlife Division, and troopers located two dead elk, an adult
bull and a calf, in the area of the shooting complaint. Further
investigation of the shooting led to the arrest of Wells, said the news
release.
The Crook County District Attorney’s office is reviewing the case, and
residents are urged to report a fish or game law violation by calling
the OSP tip hotline at 1.800.452.7888.
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