Accused shooter arrested Friday

A nearly month long search for Desean R. Bell ended early Friday morning after authorities received a tip saying he was seen driving on a Poplar Bluff street.

Authorities had been searching for the 21-year-old since Feb. 1 when he allegedly shot Keith L. Whitehead, 27, of Neelyville.

In mid-February, the Butler County Sheriff’s Department put up a $1,000 reward for information leading to Bell’s capture.

“We had been looking for him, it was well known,” said Butler County Chief Deputy Wes Popp. “We had someone call in and say they had seen Bell driving down Hart Street.”

Deputies and Poplar Bluff police officers responded and spotted Bell, Popp said. Bell reportedly was found in the 1000 block of Hart Street.

“Bell attempted to get around officers in (his) vehicle,” Popp explained. “He ended up striking two parked vehicles and running into (a pull-behind) trailer.”

Popp said Bell got out and fled on foot, but was arrested without incident following a “very short foot pursuit. … The whole thing lasted 45 seconds.”

Bell was arrested at about 3 a.m. on suspicion of leaving the scene of an accident and property damage and a Butler County warrant charging him with the Class A felony of first-degree assault, unclassified felony of armed criminal action and the Class D felony of unlawful possession of a firearm.

Bell subsequently was charged with the Class E felony of leaving the scene of an accident.

Popp said charges will be sought for property damage to both of the vehicles and trailer once estimates are received.

Authorities, he said, believe the damage will rise to the level of felony property damage, but written estimates are needed to support that claim.

After his arrest, Bell was lodged at the Butler County jail. He is being held without bond on his assault case, and his bond is set at $50,000 cash or surety on his new charge.

According to Popp, if the identity of the caller can be found, he or she could be $1,000 richer.

“We haven’t identified yet who called in,” Popp said. “We’re tracking that back.”