Key Information
- Defendant: Bell, 51
- Convictions: Attempted murder, aggravated assault with a firearm, armed kidnapping, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Date of Incident: June 5, 2023
- Victims: 39-year-old male coworker (shot) and 38-year-old female coworker (kidnapped)
- Location of Arrest: Storage facility, 2800 block of Manatee Ave. E.
- Date of Arrest: April 15, 2024
- Trial Start Date: March 12, 2025
Bell, 51, was convicted of four felony charges: attempted murder, aggravated assault with a firearm, armed kidnapping, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On June 5, 2023, Bell returned to the plant after his scheduled shift and shot a 39-year-old male coworker, resulting in serious injuries.
Following the shooting, he forcibly compelled a 38-year-old female coworker to leave with him.
The female victim was released in Hillsborough County two days later, on June 7.
After the incident, Bell evaded authorities until April 15, 2024. On that date, the Crime Reduction Team of the Bradenton Police Department received tips indicating his return to the area.
Surveillance was initiated, but Bell fled during an attempted arrest.
Subsequently, the Aviation Unit of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office located Bell on the roof of a storage facility on Manatee Ave. E., leading to his arrest by BPD.
At the time of his arrest, a firearm in Bell’s possession was connected to shell casings discovered at the shooting scene.
Bell’s trial is set to begin on March 12, 2025.
Article original publish date: 2025-03-14 07:00:00
Article source: www.mysuncoast.com
Read the full story at the original source: www.mysuncoast.com
