Bradenton officer shoots, kills armed person while conducting ‘high-risk’ search warrant: Police
BRADENTON, Fla. - A Bradenton police officer shot and killed a suspect while executing a search warrant on Tuesday morning.
What we know:
Officials said the Bradenton Police Department’s narcotics unit was conducting a high-risk search warrant at a home near 420 9th Ave W. and Eastbound MLK Jr. Avenue based on information they obtained as part of an ongoing investigation.
Police said it was considered high-risk because at least one person inside was a convicted felon and there was a weapon inside as well.
BPD said the SWAT team knocked and announced their presence and two people exited the home. A SWAT officer noticed a room with a closed door and told officers outside. SWAT officers breached a window and saw a man later identified as William Tyrone Bell, 56, standing next to a bed, with a gun in his hand.
BPD said they gave multiple commands for Bell to drop the gun. They said he refused to comply and a SWAT officer fired due to the threat.
The SWAT medic began rendering aid, but that Bell did not survive.
"One of the SWAT officers fired three times," said Meredith Censullo, the public information officer for the Bradenton Police Department.
What they're saying:
The duplex where Bell lived off of 10th Avenue West in Bradenton was taped off for a majority of Tuesday.
"He was a half-paralyzed man, we are seeking answers. I'm frustrated," explained James Bell.
James Bell said his brother Willie was partially paralyzed after suffering a number of strokes.
"I don’t condone what he do, but he deserves his day in court. Not to be lying there cold on the floor for a drug warrant," said James Bell.
Family and friends of Bell gathered on Tuesday, all visibly upset.
James Bell was overcome with emotion.
"I'm sitting here, and my brother is lying in there," he said.
What's next:
FDLE is on-site and will investigate the officer-involved shooting.
The SWAT Officer has been placed on administrative leave, pending further review, in accordance with BPD's department policy.
The Source: This article was written with information provided by the public information officer for the Bradenton Police Department and interviews with neighbors and Bell's family.