Accused armed robbery suspect Jerome Bell is behind bars at the Sunflower County jail after turning himself in on Thursday afternoon. According to Sheriff James Haywood, Bell was arrested and charged with armed robbery in conjunction with the Jan. 27 incident at the Indianola Hampton Inn.
Bell appeared before Justice Court Judge Gwen Pernell and his bond was set at $50,000.
Officials had been looking for Bell since someone identified him as the perpetrator in the robbery. Images and video footage of the incident were circulated and placed on the Indianola Police Department’s Facebook page and Lt. Johnny Bland said earlier this week that the police received tips and a positive ID on Bell.
Bell reportedly walked into the hotel around 1:57 p.m., on that Saturday and handed the clerk a note, pointed a weapon at her and emphasized that he wanted “all” of the money and that he was “not playing.” He subsequently left the building purportedly on foot.
According to Haywood, Bell, who gave his address as 2421 Maple Street in Greenville, has some outstanding warrants from another state that are still open, so additional charges could be filed. Indianola police were said to have interviewed Bell on Friday and he is due back for another appearance before Pernell sometime after that.
Haywood said he was glad his department was able to work with Indianola police in the apprehension of the suspect.
