The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department posted the following on their Facebook page Monday in reference to a pursuit early Monday:
On January 9, 2023 at 1:10 AM, Deputy Shaffer and Williamson were preparing to serve an arrest warrant when the subject’s Mercury drove past the deputies’ meeting location. Deputy Shaffer initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle at South Fairfax Road and South Walnut Street Pike, however the vehicle failed to stop. During the brief pursuit, the driver’s door of vehicle was opened as the driver attempted to discard marijuana as the vehicle continued northbound on South Walnut Street Pike. Deputy Moxley deployed a Stinger Spike System at the intersection of Walnut Street Pike and East Rhorer Road and deflated both front tires. The vehicle came to an immediate stop and the driver was taken into custody.
The driver ended up not being the registered owner or the original target of the warrant service. The driver was identified as Stephen R Bell (age 54) and was taken to the hospital due to attempting to swallow and conceal a marijuana cigarette during the pursuit. After being released from the hospital, Stephen Bell was incarcerated at the Monroe County Jail on the following charges:
1. Level 6 Felony – Resisting Law Enforcement
2. Level 6 Felony – Obstruction of Justice
3. Level 5 – Dealing Schedule II Controlled Substance
4. Class B Misdemeanor – Possession of Marijuana
5. Class C Misdemeanor – Possession of Paraphernalia
6. Class C Misdemeanor – Reckless Driving
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
