Dearborn Heights Man Gets 7 Years for Gun Store Crime Spree
In a dramatic turn of events, a 29-year-old man has recently been sentenced to more than seven years in prison after a wild two-day crime spree that rocked the streets of Dearborn Heights. Deon Bell didn’t just steal a few items; he made off with a staggering total of almost 50 guns from a local gun store, leaving many in the community shocked and concerned.
The Inciting Incident
The saga began on September 11, 2022, when Bell orchestrated a brazen robbery with the help of two men and a minor. Their plan? Steal a car, crash it into the front of a gun store, and make a quick getaway with as many firearms as they could grab. And guess what? That’s exactly what they did! The group stole a car and smashed it through the front of the store, walking away with a jaw-dropping 22 guns.
But it didn’t end there. Less than 24 hours later, Bell was at it again! This time, he recruited two younger accomplices to repeat his reckless actions. They stole another car and drove it right through the front of the same gun store, making off with yet another 25 guns!
The Hunt for Justice
With the thefts leaving many in the city in fear, the authorities quickly launched a major investigation, even offering a substantial $20,000 reward for information leading to the suspects’ capture. It turned out that the heat was too much to handle for Bell and his crew. A friend of one of the boys who participated came forward, revealing that his buddy had shown him a backpack stuffed with stolen guns just after the crime. The friend even shared that Bell was bragging about being on the news about the whole mess. Talk about bad judgment!
The Aftermath
In the months following the robberies, many of the stolen guns were recovered, but some remain unaccounted for. This ongoing concern about illegal firearms on the streets kept the pressure on law enforcement. Unfortunately for Bell, his luck was about to run out.
A month after the gun store heist, he was caught red-handed during a robbery at a T-Mobile store in Ann Arbor. Not only did he manage to steal nearly $10,000 worth of electronics, but he also picked up a decoy phone that led the police right to him. You can’t make this stuff up!
Facing the Music
In 2023, Bell was sentenced to a hefty eight and a half years for the T-Mobile robbery. And just recently, on November 20, 2024, he received a sentence of another seven and a half years for his part in the Dearborn Heights gun store thefts. Can you believe that? These sentences will be served consecutively, meaning he’ll be in prison for quite some time.
A Troubled Background
It’s important to note that Bell has a long history with the law, including previous charges related to drug trafficking and even sexual assault. His criminal record is extensive, raising serious questions about how individuals like Bell can become caught up in such dangerous activities.
As the community starts to breathe a little easier with Bell behind bars, it’s a sobering reminder of the struggles places like Dearborn Heights face in dealing with crime. Here’s hoping for a safer future as the local authorities continue to work tirelessly to keep their streets secure.
