LINDENHURST, NY – An Amityville resident, Jayvon Bell, 21, has been sentenced to 20 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to Attempted Murder in the First Degree and other charges. The incident occurred in June 2023 when Bell fired a shot at a Suffolk County Police Officer.
District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney emphasized the importance of officer safety and expressed gratitude to the SCPD officers involved in the case. He highlighted the risks that law enforcement officers face each day and reiterated the commitment of Suffolk County to prosecute such offenses vigorously.
According to court documents, the incident began on May 10, 2023, when Bell entered a taxi in North Amityville and demanded money from the driver. After stealing approximately $150, Bell fled the scene. On June 3, 2023, another altercation occurred at a Lindenhurst store, where Bell threatened an employee with what appeared to be a handgun.
The culmination of Bell’s criminal activities took place on June 21, 2023, when Suffolk County Police Officers spotted him walking in East Farmingdale. A foot pursuit ensued, leading the officers to a residence in North Amityville. Cornered in the backyard, Bell aimed a black handgun directly at the officers and fired a shot, narrowly missing. In response, an officer returned fire, striking Bell. He was apprehended, provided with medical assistance, and transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment.
Law enforcement recovered the black handgun used in the incident, along with video surveillance footage from the residence. Police body-worn cameras also captured Bell pointing the weapon at the officers.
On February 14, 2024, Bell pleaded guilty to Attempted Murder in the First Degree, Attempted Robbery in the First Degree, and Menacing in the Second Degree. Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft, Jr. sentenced him to 20 years to life in prison on April 4, 2024. Bell was represented by Joe Hanshe, Esq.
The case was prosecuted 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. Detectives Sergeant Ron Leli and Walter Sosnowski of the Suffolk County Homicide Squad provided investigative assistance.
This case serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the commitment of Suffolk County to ensuring their safety.
