By Ray King
A Pine Bluff man was arrested Thursday night after a reported armed disturbance at an apartment complex in the central part of the city.
Demarlone Bell, 32, is accused of entering an apartment without knocking, slapping a female occupant, then pointing a gun at her and telling her he would kill her.
During a court hearing Friday, Deputy Prosecutor Jay Girard said police were sent to 1020 Linden St., where the victim said she and a male friend were sitting in the living room when Bell came into the apartment and started yelling at her about a chair. She said Bell slapped her and she fell to the floor, then Bell took out a small handgun, then pointed it at her.
Detective Corey Wilfong reported that Bell was located in another apartment and arrested and Wilfong said he took statements from both the victim and the male who was with her.
Girard said court records showed that Bell had a previous conviction for second-degree battery and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Pine Bluff District Judge John Kearney set a $100,000 bond for Bell after ruling prosecutors have probable cause to charge him with aggravated assault, aggravated residential burglary and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The Public Defender’s Office was appointed to represent Bell who was ordered to have no contact with the victim or her friend until the case is settled.
