Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced today that Jayvon Bell, 20, of Amityville, was indicted for Attempted Murder in the First Degree and other related charges, after shooting at a Suffolk County Police Officer in June 2023, Robbery in the First Degree for the gunpoint robbery of a taxi driver in May 2023, and Menacing in the Second Degree for threatening a gas station employee with a gun in June 2023.
“This defendant’s decision to brandish, waive, point and then fire a gun at others could have cost a police officer, a taxi driver, and a gas station employee their lives,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thankfully no one was harmed during any of the three incidents. Senseless gun violence puts innocent lives at risk, including police officers, who put their life on the line every day for the protection of our community.”
According to the investigation, on May 10, 2023, a taxi driver responded to the North Amityville area to pick up a passenger. When the driver arrived, 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 allegedly 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 alleged robbery and menacing, walking northbound on Albany Avenue toward Route 109 in East Farmingdale. Bell then allegedly 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 allegedly standing with his back against a fence and holding a black handgun pointed directly at the officers. Bell then allegedly 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 and transported to Stony Brook University Hospital to be treated for his injuries.
Law enforcement allegedly recovered the black handgun used by Bell, as well as alleged video surveillance from the residence where the shooting occurred as well as other residences in the area. Additionally, police body worn camera footage allegedly captured Bell pointing the handgun directly at the officers.
On August 1, 2023, Bell was arraigned on the indictment before County Court Judge, the Honorable Anthony Senft, for the charges of:
- One count of Attempted Murder in the First Degree, a Class A felony;
- One count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class B felony;
- One count of Attempted Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, a Class B felony;
- One count of Attempted Assault in the First Degree, a Class C felony;
- Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C felony; and
- One count of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, a Class D felony.
Judge Senft ordered Bell remanded during the pendency of that case.
Previously, on July 14, 2023, Bell was arraigned before Judge Senft, for the charges of:
One count of Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B felony; and
One count of Menacing in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.
Judge Senft ordered Bell held on $250,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or $2,500,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of that case.
Bell is due back in court on August 8, 2023, and faces up to 20 years to life years in prison if convicted of the top count of Attempted Murder in the First Degree. Bell is being represented by Joseph Hanshe, Esq. on both cases.
The attempted murder case is being prosecuted by Bureau Chief Timothy Gough and Assistant District Attorney Eric S. Aboulafia of the Homicide Bureau, with investigative assistance from Detective Sergeant Ron Leli of the Suffolk County Homicide Squad.
The robbery and menacing case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kieran Rogers of the Major Crime Bureau, with investigative assistance from Detective Walter Sosnowski of the First Precinct.
Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.