Drake Bell Confirmed Safe by Police After Being Reported Missing and Endangered

The Daytona Beach Police Department confirmed on Thursday afternoon that actor Drake Bell, best known for his role in the Nickelodeon series “Drake & Josh,” has been located and is safe. Earlier that day, the police department had reported that Bell was missing and endangered. The situation sparked concern among fans and colleagues alike, but thankfully, law enforcement officials were able to locate Bell and confirm his safety.

Details of Bell’s Disappearance

According to the Daytona Beach Police Department, Bell was last seen driving a 2022 gray BMW, and his last known location was potentially the area of Mainland High School on April 12, 2023, just before 9 p.m. The police department issued a plea for information from the public, asking anyone with information about Bell’s whereabouts to contact Detective Jayson Wallace at 386-671-5207.

Bell’s Career and Legal Troubles

Bell, whose real name is Jared Drake Bell, rose to fame alongside Josh Peck in the popular Nickelodeon series “Drake & Josh,” which aired from 2004 to 2007. He also appeared on the network’s “The Amanda Show” before going on to lead his own series. After “Drake & Josh,” Bell starred as Timmy Turner in a live-action trilogy based on the animated series “The Fairly OddParents.”

However, Bell’s career has been marred by legal troubles. In June 2021, he pleaded guilty to a felony charge of attempting to endanger children and a misdemeanor charge of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles. He was subsequently sentenced to two years of probation and 200 hours of community service. The charges stemmed from an incident in December 2017 involving a then-31-year-old Bell and a 15-year-old girl, with whom he had been communicating via social media. The messages between the two were described by police as “sexual in nature.”

In 2015, Bell was also arrested for a DUI and pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge, serving four days in jail.

Conclusion

While the circumstances surrounding Bell’s disappearance are still unclear, the important thing is that he has been found safe. Fans and colleagues alike will no doubt breathe a sigh of relief upon hearing the news. As for Bell, he will undoubtedly continue to face scrutiny and criticism due to his past legal troubles, but hopefully, he can move forward and focus on positive developments in his personal and professional life.