On March 19th Deputy Dallas Eddie and Sgt. Jimmy Gregory went to 45 Sykes Road to search an active warrant on Derrick Bell who had failed to appear to a court appearance. Bell’s step-daughter answered the door and indicated that Bell was inside. Upon entering the residence, Bell was advised of the warrant and fled into his room. Deputy Eddie drew his weapon and Sgt. Gregory drew a taser while ordering Bell to show his hands. Bell attempted to shut the door, fell to the floor and was reaching around the bed, while officers repeatedly commanded him to stop and show his hands. Finally, Bell complied and officers were able to handcuff him and get him standing.
Bell admitted to having methamphetamine in his pocket. Officers retrieved the drugs. A 12 round loaded magazine was observed on the bathroom counter. Bell consented to a search of the residence, directing the officers to the weed in the living room but insisting that nothing was in the bedroom.
A Glock 23 pistol with a 31 round loaded magazine was located under the mattress in the bedroom where Bell was initially handcuffed. In the living room a container or green leafy substance that appeared to be marijuana, a grinder, socket end with leafy residue, digital scales and rolling paper were discovered.
Bell was transported to the Smith County Criminal Justice Center. Before entering the facility he was asked if he had any narcotics on his person. He reached into his underwear and produced a folded dollar bill with a crystal substance he indentured as methamphetamine.
A criminal history report revealed the Bell was a convicted felon. He was released on bond conditions for domestic assault for which he was not eligible to possess a firearm. Bell was charged with violation of bond conditions, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and felony possession of drug paraphernalia.
Bell was held at the Smith County Jail without bond and will have a later court appearance.
