Vernon K9 captures fleeing felon

The Vernon Police Department K9, “Jak” assisted in the capture of  a man who allegedly fled from officers late Thursday night.

A Vernon Police officer attempted to make a traffic stop on a white suburban in the 1400 block of Nabers. The officer’s report stated he recognized the driver, identified as Willard Damont Bell, 48 of Vernon, as having multiple felony warrants for his arrest.

The suburban fled on residential streets before losing control, hitting a utility pole guideline and rolling. Bell allegedly got out of the vehicle and fled on foot. An officer released the K9 in pursuit and the dog took Bell down. Bell was treated for the bite and transported to Wilbarger County Jail. He was allegedly found with both meth and cocaine. He was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1, over 4 grams, with evading arrest with a motor vehicle. In addition warrant for possession of a controlled substance, over 4 grams, and possession of a controlled substance, over 1 gram were served.

Police reports show a Willard Damont Bell was previously arrested in 2016 for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. A female alleged she was stabbed in the face and legs.