Drake Bell.Photo: Michael Tran/Getty
After a brief, alarming incident whenDrake Bellwasreported “missing and endangered"on Thursday, only to bedeclared “safe"hours later, a 911 call has surfaced that seemingly sheds more light on the former child actor’s mental state this week.
“I have a possible attempted suicide,” says the officer, who introduced himself as Steve, over crackly audio. “Basically there is a celebrity who had a falling out with this wife … and we got involved because we’ve [been in touch with] the family in California saying that he’s going to get drunk and hang himself, and he’s in a hotel somewhere in Orlando.”
The officer adds of how they located Bell: “And then we finally got permission to ping the phone, and that’s what the ping came back to.”
On Friday, the Orlando Police Department Public Information Officer confirmed the details of the call to PEOPLE: “On April 12, 2023, at approximately 6:09 p.m., the Orlando Police Department Communications Center received a phone call from a concerned family member about an individual possibly wanting to harm himself. After it was determined that the individual was located in Daytona Beach, FL, the OPD communications operator made a phone call to the Volusia County Sheriff’s office and transferred the information regarding the initial 911 call to their operator. At that time, the investigation was turned over to the Daytona Beach Police Department.”
A representative for Bell did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
Within hours, DBPD Public Information Officer Carrie McCallister confirmed to PEOPLE that Bell had been located in a statement: “At this time, we can confirm law enforcement officials are in contact and Mr. Bell is safe.”
Later Thursday, hemade light of the situationon Twitter: “You leave your phone in the car and don’t answer for the night and this? 😂”
But the 911 audio makes clear that Bell’s family did not found the situation funny.
Just days before this latest episode, Bell was spotted at SeaWorld in Orlando with the son he shares with ex-wifeJanet Von Schmeling, who was mentioned in the 911 call.
A source told PEOPLE in January, that the couple, who quietly wed in 2018,separated late last year. At the time, the source said the exes were “committed to maintaining a peaceful co-parenting relationship and giving their son the best life possible” — but noted that the actor was getting outpatient help for substance abuse because he “needed to take time to get help and focus on his health.”
Janet Von Schmeling and Drake Bell.Tasia Wells/WireImage
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Prior to this week’s incidents, Bell hasfrequently been in the headlines over the yearsfor his controversial behavior. His ex-girlfriend Melissa Lingafeltaccused him of verbal and physical abusein 2020, but he has denied the allegations. He was also charged with a misdemeanor in 2016 and served one day in jailfor a 2015 suspicion of DUI.
In June 2021, Bell wasarrestedon charges of attempted child endangerment and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles. His victim — who was 15 at the time — alsoaccused him of sexual misconductbut his attorney disputed the allegations.
Bell pleaded guilty to the endangerment charges. He wassentencedthat July to two years of probation and 200 hours of community service. Additionally, he was told not to contact the victim.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
source: people.com
