Maryland police nab 62-year-old Lanham kidnapper, rescue female victim

Police in Maryland arrested a Prince George’s County man for kidnapping and a slew of other related charges after conducting a traffic stop on Friday night in Lanham. The accused kidnapper has been identified as Dennis Bell, 62, of Lanham.

The unidentified female victim was transported from the scene by emergency medical service personnel to an area hospital for medical treatment and is is reportedly recovering from injuries she received while being held against her will by Bell.

The preliminary investigation indicates Bell was driving a U-Haul truck when he allegedly made contact with the victim at a convenience store on Minnesota Avenue Southeast in Washington, D.C. on the morning of May 12. The victim told police that Bell pushed her into the U-Haul truck and threatened her life if she did not comply with his demands.

Bell reportedly drove around all day with the victim sitting on the floor board in the front seat. The victim reported that while in Bell’s truck, he removed all her clothes and used a pocketknife to stab her fingers. The victim informed police that she did not know where she was throughout the day while Bell continued to drive.

At approximately 9:45 p.m. that night, troopers from the College Park Barrack received multiple calls from motorists reporting a U-Haul truck driving erratically and striking multiple parked vehicles while traveling in the area of Princess Garden Parkway in Lanham. Maryland State Police immediately dispatched to the area and located the U-Haul truck on Route 450 in Lanham.

Police attempted a felony traffic stop on the U-Haul. The driver of the U-Haul, later identified as Bell, refused to stop for police. A pursuit ensued and ended at Baltimore Avenue and Elm Street in Lanham where the truck became disabled in a ditch.

Two troopers approached the passenger side of the U-Haul to make contact with Bell. He refused to exit the vehicle after multiple verbal requests. The troopers were able to gain entry into the vehicle through the passenger side window and discovered the victim. She was without clothing and sitting on the floorboard in the front seat with apparent wounds to her fingers. 

Police covered her up with an agency issued jacket. Emergency medical service personnel responded to the scene and transported her by ambulance to the hospital.

Bell was uncooperative and refused to identify himself. He was arrested on the scene and transported to the hospital. He was later transported to the Upper Marlboro Department of Corrections.

Bell is looking at 14 criminal charges including:

• first degree assault,
• kidnapping,
• false imprisonment,
• fourth degree sex offense,
• possession of suspected crack cocaine, and
• driving while impaired.

Bell is also facing 19 traffic charges related to the incident.

Anyone who may have witnessed the alleged kidnapping or has relevant information regarding the investigation is urged to contact the Criminal Enforcement Division via email at william.costello@maryland.gov or contact the College Park Barrack. All calls and emails may remain confidential.

(Source: Maryland State Police)

(Dennis Bell booking photo, Image credit: Prince George’s County States Attorney Office)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today   /   Follow Richard on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram