A man who tried to run down an Orange County Sheriff’s deputy with his vehicle, while leading cops on a chase with speeds of up to 50 mph, is now in behind bars.
Kenneth Bell, 21 years, was arrested around 7:21 pm on Monday at the BP gas station on Curry Ford Road and State Road 436, after he sped off following a traffic stop at Valencia and north Chickasaw Trail. Deputies said that Bell, who was driving a Silver Pontiac initially appeared to stop, after he was ordered to do so, but then turned and headed in the direction of the deputy, then sped away.
The deputy who initiated the traffic activated her emergency equipment and pursued Bell’s vehicle, while other units maneuvered stop sticks in an effort to stop the vehicle. Bell eventually stopped at the BP gas station on Curry Ford Road and SR 436, but not before driving into the path of a marked cop car. Deputies said that Bell drove at speeds ranging between 30-50 mph in light traffic. He was arrested without further incident.
Deputies say that Bell has a lengthy criminal history and was driving with a suspended license. Crack and cannabis were found in Bell’s vehicle.
Bell has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, fleeing and eluding police and with drug possession. He was transported to the Orange County Jail.
