BRADENTON, Fla. (WFLA) — The Bradenton mother who police said was kidnapped Monday night has been reunited with her family. Officials said Bradenton police detectives found her late Wednesday night and reunited the family early Thursday morning.
“We are working with her and we are grateful for her safety,” said Meredith Frameli with the Bradenton Police Department. “We’re fortunate that we were able to bring her home to her family in the early morning hours of today.”
The black Camaro police were searching for in connection with a shooting at the Tropicana Bradenton plant “is now in law enforcement custody,” according to the Bradenton Police Department, however, the suspect, who police identified as Demetrius Tyrone Bell, has still not been found.
“She was located in Tampa,” Frameli said. “She was not with Bell at the time, however, we do believe that the two were together for those two days and that she was taken against her will.”
WFLA is no longer naming the woman or using her photo because she will not be charged.
“Obviously traumatized,” Frameli said. “This has been a traumatic couple of days for her. But she was uninjured, so that’s the positive part here.”
Bell allegedly entered the Tropicana plant after his shift and shot a co-worker and left, taking the woman with him, according to police. The person who was shot was recovering in the hospital as of Thursday morning.
Bell is still wanted on charges of aggravated battery with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Police added two more warrants for armed kidnapping and aggravated assault on Thursday.
“We do believe he is still armed,” Frameli said. “And certainly he’s a very dangerous guy.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jeff Beckley at 941-932-9356 or email jeff.beckley@bradentonpd.com. Information can also be left with the Bradenton Police Department at 941-932-9300.
