Police Officer Nelson F. Bell, Jr., Baltimore City Police Department, Maryland

Police Officer Nelson F. Bell, Jr.

Baltimore City Police Department, Maryland

End of Watch Friday, October 27, 1978

Nelson F. Bell, Jr.

Officer Nelson Bell succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained five days earlier after responding to the Trailways Bus Terminal to backup officers who were being shot at by a man with a rifle.

During the ensuing shootout the suspect was shot and killed. After the shooting ended Officer Bell was found approximately 30-feet away suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to the University of Maryland Hospital where he succumbed to his wound a short time later.

It was determined that Officer Bell was not in the direct line of fire of the suspect or other officers involved in the shooting and that he was struck by a round which had ricocheted off of the hallway walls.

Officer Bell had served with the Baltimore City Police Department for 4.5 years.

Bio

Age 29
Tour 4 years, 6 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Sunday, October 22, 1978
Weapon Rifle
Offender Shot and killed

Most Recent Reflection

View all 21 Reflections

Nelson was my big brother whom I looked up to all my life. We shared a very special bond and watched out for one another. We had the honor of being raised in a loving Christian home and that molded Nelson to be an outstanding father/servant leader. What made Nelson so 'real' was his personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was kind, loving and caring for the needs of others always. Nelson was also very patriotic and after serving a year in Vietnam decided he wanted to do more in making a difference in this world. That's when he decided to go into law enforcement. He loved God, his country, his family and he loved his dog, Prince. All these years later, I miss him terribly but rest in God's Sovereign plan for Nelson's life. His mission on earth was complete. What peace we have knowing that Nelson is in the presence of our Savior! What a privilege and honor it was for me to be his younger sister!

AUDREY PAULETTE MYERS
Loving Sister

April 12, 2018