Billboards aid in search for accused kidnapper/home invader/bank robber

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is employing a high-visibility strategy in an effort to catch a man accused of kidnapping, home invasion, and bank robbery.

Christopher Ellis was wanted in Kentucky for a bank robbery. Then an Atlanta man said Ellis kidnapped him from his home and drove him into Loudon County. Then a couple's home was invaded by a man matching Ellis' description. The man bound the couple's hands and left with two guns and a pickup truck.

Now the FBI is getting high-tech in an effort to catch Ellis.

Ten digital billboards in the Knoxville area are displaying an updated picture of what authorities now believe Ellis looks like, asking for the public's help to find him.

The FBI is also using billboards in Cookeville, TN; Lexington, KY; Atlanta, GA; Rome, GA; Columbia, SC; Asheville, NC; Lenoir, NC; Hickory, NC; and Wilkesboro, NC.

The digital billboards around Knoxville are owned by Lamar advertising. In recent debates over digital billboards within the city, one of the billboard proponents' chief arguments has been that they would be used to help law enforcement get information out to the public.

Loudon County authorities said Ellis arrived in Tennessee after tying up an Atlanta man and forcing him into the trunk of his own car Friday night. Once out of the Atlanta area, authorities said Ellis let the man climb into the passenger seat. In Loudon County, he would leave the car on foot.

The search for Ellis intensified after a home invasion robbery in which a couple's pistol, rifle, and 1978 Chevrolet Scottsdale pickup truck were stolen. The plate number on that truck is 1DD 8321.

Authorities consider Ellis armed and dangerous.

If you've seen him, the FBI asks that you call them at (865) 544-0751. The line is answered 24 hours a day.

You can also call Loudon County authorities at (865) 986-4823.