Faces Up to 20 Years to Life in Prison
An Amityville man pleaded guilty to shooting at a Suffolk County police officer last year.
On May 10, 2023, a taxi driver responded to the North Amityville area to pick up a passenger. When the driver arrived, Jayvon Bell entered the rear seat of the taxi. Bell allegedly then cocked what appeared to be a handgun, pointed it at the driver’s head, and demanded money from the driver. Bell stole approximately $150 from the driver before exiting the cab and fleeing.
On June 3, 2023, Bell was at a Bolla Market in Lindenhurst when a dispute with an employee began after Bell refused to pay for a soda. Bell allegedly informed the employee that he had a gun and began to leave the store. Before leaving the premises, Bell allegedly took what appeared to be a handgun out of his pocket and tapped it on the window of the store while threatening the employee.
On June 21, 2023, at approximately 12:00 p.m., Suffolk County Police Officers spotted Bell, who was wanted for the prior robbery and menacing, walking northbound on Albany Avenue toward Route 109 in East Farmingdale. Bell then fled and a foot pursuit was initiated that led officers into the rear of a residence located on Maple Road in North Amityville. When officers arrived in the backyard, Bell was standing with his back against a fence and holding a black handgun pointed directly at the officers. Bell then fired a shot at one of the officers which missed and struck a fence. One officer then returned fire, striking Bell. Bell was then arrested, rendered first aid, and transported to Stony Brook University Hospital to be treated for his injuries.
Law enforcement recovered the black handgun used by Bell to shoot at the officers, as well as video surveillance from the residence where the shooting occurred. Additionally, police body worn camera footage captured Bell pointing the handgun directly at the officers.
On February 14, 2024, Bell pleaded guilty before Acting Supreme Court Judge Anthony Senft on the following charges:
- one count of first-degree attempted murder of a police officer, a Class A felony
- one count of first-degree attempted robbery, a Class C violent felony
- one count of Menacing in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor
Bell, 21, faces a sentence of 20 years to life in prison. He is due back in court for sentencing on April 4, 2024.
“Jayvon Bell showed complete disregard for human life when he shot at Suffolk County police officers,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “The officers risked their lives to apprehend the defendant who was wanted for robbery and menacing when the shooting occurred. Thankfully, these officers were not hit, but rather, they acted professionally and even rendered care to save this defendant after the incident.”