A 51-year-old Phoenix man accused of opening fire on law enforcement earlier this month has been formally indicted on 25 felony counts, authorities confirmed Thursday.
Darrelle Lazane Bell faces 21 counts of aggravated assault, along with charges related to weapons misconduct and unlawful discharge of a firearm, according to the office of Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell.
Investigators say members of the Arizona Department of Public Safety SWAT team arrived at a home near Interstate 17 and Indian School Road on Feb. 5 to serve a warrant tied to previous weapons and drug allegations. Officials described the operation as high risk due to Bell’s criminal history.
According to DPS, the situation escalated almost immediately after officers approached the residence. Authorities allege Bell began firing as troopers moved in. One sergeant was struck in the shoulder and suffered additional injuries to his arm, while three other troopers were hurt by shrapnel during the exchange.
All four officers were treated and later released to recover at home. Bell was also hospitalized following the shootout and later booked into jail.
The case now moves forward in Maricopa County Superior Court, where updated proceedings can be tracked through the county’s judicial portal:
https://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov
The shooting came just one day after a separate tragedy involving DPS personnel in northern Arizona, intensifying an already difficult week for the agency.
