Event Brief
Bradenton officer cleared in Willie Bell shooting
Filed: Jul 17, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET
Summary: FDLE and prosecutors say a SWAT officer’s deadly force was legally justified in the March 10 search-warrant killing of Willie Bell.
WHO: Willie Tyrone Bell; Officer Jaden Reppi; FDLE; State Attorney’s Office; Bradenton Police Chief Josh Cramer
WHAT: Prosecutors ruled the SWAT officer’s deadly force was legally justified; body-worn camera video to be released.
WHEN: Jul 17, 2026 at 2:12 PM ET
WHERE: Bradenton, Florida
WHY: Prosecutors determined the officer acted lawfully under Florida’s justifiable use of force statutes during a high-risk search warrant.
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