South Okanagan prolific offender arrested, again

PENTICTON – A man well known to police in the South Okanagan has been returned to custody following an incident with police last week.

RCMP spokesperson Const. James Grandy says in a media release police arrested Simon Bell on Aug. 3 in Oliver and faces numerous charges. Police don't say what charges he faces, other than they are serious.

“Mr. Bell has been a priority offender in the region for some time and tremendous efforts have been taken to prevent him from causing further harm to the community,” Grandy said.

On Aug. 1, Oliver RCMP learned Bell was allegedly driving a pick-up truck that has been stolen earlier that day. Grandy says the suspect was spotted sitting in the burgundy Ford F-350 parked outside a residence, but when they approached, he backed up, hitting one of the officer's hand and arm. RCMP don't say how badly the member was hurt.

He got away that day, only to be caught and arrested on Aug. 3 in Oliver.

Bell was sent to jail in February on charges stemming from a crime spree late last year despite defence arguments that he was the victim of excessive police force. Judge Michelle Daneliuk noted at the time the balance of the charges against Bell occurred as a result of him getting bored while off work and indulging in substance abuse.

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