Man Dies in Police Custody

Family members of a South Jersey man are looking for answers about how he died after police took him into custody late Tuesday afternoon.

The mystery as to why Darnell Bell, 32, died is now in the hands of the Atlantic County medical examiner, who is conducting an autopsy.

When Hamilton Township police went to Bell's Mays Landing, N.J., condominium, they had an arrest warrant for allegedly eluding police in a previous incident.

Residents of the Sandpiper Condominums said they watched as police chased Bell into the woods behind the complex.

"The guy came running when the cops came," said Nicole Ingram, who witnessed the confrontation.

Authorities said that after he was taken into custody, Bell had trouble breathing. Police called an ambulance and Bell stopped breathing on the way to the Atlantic City Medical Center. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

"The guy ran through the window, came out the window and ran through the woods as the cops chased him. He was running. Next thing I know, there were gunshots," said Alfred George, a witness.

Atlantic County prosecutors said that, as far as they know, no shooting was involved.

"It's a tragedy. A sad time we're living in," said Arlene Powell, Bell's cousin.

"I loved him with all of my heart," said Bell's fiancée, who would only identify herself as Kisha.

Kisha described him as a father of four who didn't hide anything.

Article continues below

---

advertisement

---

Author: Copyright 2004 by NBC10.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.