BEWARE OF HUMAN
Hidden within the expansive forests, just out of view from the unsuspecting public, live countless individuals. More than you might imagine. Many venture into its depths for brief respites—mindful of their environment as they shift their campsites, and diligent in cleaning up after themselves along the way. If you didn’t see them in town, you would hardly know some of these people are out there. Yet, concealed among the trees are others who have eluded consequences for years. At least, this is the belief of a growing number of concerned, local residents.
On the Mammoth Lakes Scenic Loop, a minority has etched a disturbing legacy of torment and intimidation, occasionally inflicting violence upon local residents and their pets.
The latest incident occurred on August 25, 2023. 69-year-old Martin Keith Elliott was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon (non-firearm), and threatening crime with intent to terrorize—both of which are felonies; the first being an aggravated felony. Elliott’s bail was set for $50,000 for the second charge. He was arraigned on August 29, 2023, with a hearing scheduled for September 11, 2023.
According to the most recent complainant—whose identity will be protected as a victim—Elliott threatened that “He was going to go get his gun from his campsite, come back, and shoot [complainant].” The complainant had an eerily similar encounter with Elliott last year.
“Luckily, he didn’t stab me or my dog, but it was really close. Obviously I reported it and the police couldn’t do anything,” the complainant said. MLPD told the complainant that they can make arrests with cause, but beyond that, the grievance was a Forest Service issue. Moreover, the Forest may not know how to proceed, or may not want to proceed.
Elliott is a repeat offender. Another incident was previously reported in 2019. Elliott was alleged to have stabbed the dog of a June Lake resident. A police report was filed about that incident, as well. At the time, the complainant was told he/she could take Elliott to court for the vet bill, but that he may be hard to get ahold of, and may have limited access to funds to pay for the bills. Further legal action was not taken.
Elliott used to stay out by the shooting range in June. After he stabbed the dog, he left town and has been residing in the Obsidian Dome and Deadman Creek area for the past few years. Besides the aforementioned incidents, there have been numerous other complaints and stories from locals who have encountered Elliott. He is reportedly averse to dogs and it is recommended that dogs are kept away from the areas he’s known to frequent.
In the days since the arrest and Elliott’s release, the MLPD Community Facebook Page has posted about three mountain lions roaming Forest Trail, and has updated its cover photo to a photo with the slogan: “Slow Down. Enjoy the scenery. Protect our Wildlife.” The page has not warned the community of this dangerous individual.
It seems that local law enforcement may face prosecution challenges in issues of this nature. While they can make arrests in response to reported incidents, the limited extent of their power is evident: Elliott has been roaming free for years. The Forest Service wields the authority to issue citations, but tension within the town is mounting due to Elliott’s repeated threats. It is unclear what MLPD and the Forest Service are able to do.
The Sheet contacted the Public Affairs Officer from the USDA Forest Service for comment but has received no response. MLPD said that no additional information could be released about the incident, other than Elliott’s mugshot and a description of charges.
