FDLE completes investigation into March 2026 officer-involved shooting
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
Case #: 2026-001727
BPD
After several months of independent, diligent review, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has completed its investigation into the March 10, 2026, officer-involved shooting of Willie Tyrone Bell, 56.
Although it is not required, the Bradenton Police Department requests that the FDLE independently investigate use-of-deadly-force incidents that result in death or serious injury to ensure transparency, accuracy, and fairness to everyone involved, including Mr. Bell, the involved officer, and the community.
FDLE’s investigation reflects the totality of the evidence gathered, including an on-scene investigation, witness interviews, an event chronology report, body-worn camera footage, physical evidence and the Medical Examiner’s report. FDLE provided its findings to the State Attorney’s Office, which concluded that the officers’ use of deadly force was lawful and justified under Florida Statute Sections 782.02 and 776.051. Officer Jaden Reppi, who was initially placed on Administrative Leave during the FDLE investigation, was returned to duty.
On the morning of March 10, BPD’s Narcotics Unit, with assistance from our SWAT Team, was executing a high-risk search warrant at Mr. Bell’s home in the 300 block of 10th Ave W. Mr. Bell’s prior criminal history included convictions for narcotics possession, narcotics sales, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Intelligence gathered before the search established probable cause that drug sales occurred at the home and that at least one weapon, a revolver, was in the house.
SWAT Team members followed the legally proper knock-and-announce procedure upon arrival, and two individuals eventually exited the home. However, Mr. Bell remained in the bedroom, with the door closed, prompting officers to breach the bedroom window. Mr. Bell was standing next to the bed, looking at the officers and holding a firearm pointed in their direction. Officers made multiple commands to Mr. Bell to put his hands up. Still, he refused and remained positioned with his firearm pointed in the direction of the officers while looking at them. Officer Reppi fired in response to the threat and Bell’s failure to comply with officers’ lawful commands.
The evening of March 10, after FDLE finished processing the scene, BPD Narcotics Unit detectives executed the previously authorized search warrant. Investigators recovered four firearms from the residence, including the revolver Mr. Bell was holding and a second firearm within his reach in the bedroom. Detectives also seized 46.1 grams of MDMA, 31.4 grams of marijuana, and 4.4 grams of crack cocaine.
We recognize that the time required to complete this investigation has been difficult for many members of our community. Unfortunately, the absence of immediate answers allowed speculation and incomplete accounts of the incident to circulate, contributing to frustration, confusion, and, for some, anger. We understand those emotions. However, any conclusions shared with the public needed to be based on verified evidence rather than speculation or incomplete information.
The Bradenton Police Department appreciates the patience of the community throughout the independent investigative process and remains committed to transparency and accountability in officer-involved shooting investigations.
