FDLE Clears Bradenton Officer in March Fatal Police Shooting Investigation

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has completed its investigation into the March 10, 2026, officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of 56-year-old Willie Tyrone Bell, concluding that the use of deadly force by a Bradenton police officer was lawful.

The Bradenton Police Department announced July 17 that the independent investigation had been finalized and that the State Attorney’s Office determined the officers’ actions were justified under Florida law. Officer Jaden Reppi, who had been placed on administrative leave during the investigation, has returned to duty.

Although not required by law, the Bradenton Police Department said it routinely requests independent FDLE investigations into use-of-deadly-force incidents involving death or serious injury to promote transparency, accuracy and fairness.

According to investigators, the shooting occurred on the morning of March 10 as the Bradenton Police Department’s Narcotics Unit, assisted by the SWAT Team, executed a high-risk search warrant at Bell’s residence in the 300 block of 10th Avenue West.

Authorities said Bell had prior convictions for narcotics possession, narcotics sales and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Investigators also had probable cause to believe illegal drug sales were occurring at the residence and that at least one firearm was inside before the warrant was served.

Police said SWAT officers followed knock-and-announce procedures when they arrived. Two people exited the home, but Bell remained inside a bedroom with the door closed. Officers then breached a bedroom window and observed Bell standing beside the bed holding a firearm pointed in their direction.

Investigators said officers repeatedly ordered Bell to raise his hands, but he did not comply and continued pointing the firearm toward officers. Officer Reppi fired in response to what investigators determined was an immediate threat.

FDLE’s investigation included an on-scene examination, witness interviews, body-worn camera footage, physical evidence, an event chronology and the Medical Examiner’s report before findings were submitted to the State Attorney’s Office.

After FDLE completed processing the scene, Bradenton police executed the previously authorized search warrant. Detectives reported recovering four firearms from the residence, including the revolver Bell was holding and another firearm within his reach in the bedroom.

Investigators also seized approximately 46.1 grams of MDMA, 31.4 grams of marijuana and 4.4 grams of crack cocaine from the home.

In announcing the conclusion of the investigation, the Bradenton Police Department acknowledged that the several-month review created uncertainty within the community but said it was important that any public conclusions be based on verified evidence rather than speculation. The department said it remains committed to transparency and accountability in officer-involved shooting investigations.