AMITYVILLE, NY – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney has announced a significant development in the case of Jayvon Bell, a 21-year-old resident of Amityville. Bell has pleaded guilty to Attempted Murder in the First Degree and other related charges after shooting at a Suffolk County Police Officer in June 2023.
Tierney expressed his concern over Bell’s actions, stating that “Jayvon Bell showed complete disregard for human life when he shot at Suffolk County police officers.” The officers had risked their lives to apprehend Bell, who was wanted for robbery and menacing at the time of the shooting. Fortunately, the officers were not injured, and they acted professionally by providing care to Bell after the incident.
The details of the case, as per court documents and Bell’s statements during his guilty plea allocution, are as follows: On May 10, 2023, Bell entered a taxi in North Amityville and threatened the driver at gunpoint, demanding money. He stole approximately $150 from the driver before fleeing the scene. A month later, on June 3, 2023, Bell engaged in a dispute at a store in Lindenhurst after refusing to pay for a soda. He threatened an employee by displaying what appeared to be a handgun and tapping it on the store window.
On June 21, 2023, Suffolk County Police Officers spotted Bell walking in East Farmingdale. They initiated a foot pursuit that led them to a residence in North Amityville. In the backyard, Bell fired a shot at one of the officers, narrowly missing and hitting a fence instead. In response, an officer returned fire, striking Bell. He was subsequently arrested, provided with first aid, and transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment.
Law enforcement recovered the black handgun used by Bell during the shooting, and video surveillance from the residence corroborated the events. Body-worn camera footage worn by the officers also captured the moment when Bell pointed the handgun directly at them.
On February 14, 2024, Bell pleaded guilty before Acting Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Anthony Senft, to Attempted Murder in the First Degree of a Police Officer, Attempted Robbery in the First Degree, and Menacing in the Second Degree. These charges carry severe penalties, with Bell facing a sentence of 20 years to life in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for April 4, 2024, and he is currently represented by Joe Hanshe.
The prosecution of this case is being led by Bureau Chief Timothy Gough, Assistant District Attorney Eric S. Aboulafia of the Homicide Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Kieran Rogers of the Major Crime Bureau. Detective Sergeant Ron Leli of the Suffolk County Homicide Squad and Detective Walter Sosnowski of the First Precinct have provided valuable investigative assistance.
The guilty plea of Jayvon Bell marks a significant step towards justice for the attempted murder of a Suffolk County Police Officer. District Attorney Tierney commends the officers for their bravery and professionalism throughout the incident and expresses his commitment to ensuring the safety of the community through vigorous prosecution.
