June 11, 2022 – Port Charlotte, FL
At 6:40am, a call came in stating the caller had heard multiple gunshots coming from a home on Coulton Ave. in Port Charlotte. Deputies responded and can confirm that one person is injured and another is believed to be inside the home.
The victim was taken to a local hospital for injuries sustained. At this time, deputies are attempting to make contact with the individual believed to be inside.
This is a very active scene and investigation.
Follow our social media channels for more information as it becomes available.
“This kind of violence has no place in our community. We will do whatever it takes to find the shooter and bring him into custody.”
Sheriff Bill Prummell
UPDATE 12pm: The scene is no longer a barricaded subject situation and roadways have been reopened with the exception of Coulton Ave. itself. No further information is available at this time.
UPDATE 8:30pm:
An arrest warrant has been issued for the pictured individual, Nicholas Jerome Bell (4/20/1978), in connection with this morning’s shooting on Coulton Ave. in Port Charlotte. Charges include: Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, 2nd Degree Attempted Murder, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
He may still be in the Port Charlotte area, but has ties to North Port as well, especially in the area of Hungary Rd. He may be on foot or driving a red Mazda SUV.
If anyone has any information on Bell’s whereabouts, please call 911 immediately and DO NOT ATTEMPT TO APPROACH. Bell should be considered armed and dangerous.
UPDATE 6/14/22: The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Unit and U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force are currently looking for Nicholas Jerome Bell (4-20-1978). He is 5 feet 6 inches tall, 150 pounds, brown eyes, black hair. There is an active arrest warrant for Bell for the charges of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery With a Deadly Weapon, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Do not attempt to approach or apprehend. Bell should be considered armed and dangerous.
If you have any information on Bell’s whereabouts, please call 911 immediately. Anyone with information regarding this case, and who wishes to remain anonymous, and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
UPDATE 6/30/22: Nicholas Jerome Bell was taken into custody this morning by Gainesville Police after fleeing the area to hide out with family. Nicholas stated he could not take the pressure of being a wanted fugitive and subsequently surrendered without incident. Bell will be transported back to Charlotte County to face charges of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery With a Deadly Weapon, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
“Violent crime is rare in Charlotte County but when it does occur, we will seek justice. Nicholas Bell will now face the consequences for his violent actions,” states Sheriff Bill Prummell.
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