On February 15, 2026, a Corning Police Department officer responded to a report of a potentially intoxicated individual at the Dollar General store. Upon arrival, the officer observed the suspect’s vehicle parked on the sidewalk. When the officer attempted to explain the reason for the encounter, the suspect became increasingly agitated and belligerent, causing a disturbance. An off-duty Corning officer, who was present at the scene, noticed the suspect’s behavior and provided assistance. As officers tried to de-escalate the situation, the suspect attempted to get into his vehicle. Officers intervened, asking him to exit the vehicle, but he refused. After multiple requests, officers attempted to remove the suspect from the vehicle, at which point he began to resist. During the ensuing struggle, the suspect struck one of the officers in the head. The officers successfully subdued the suspect and took him into custody.
Upon identification, it was discovered that the individual had an outstanding felony warrant from Mississippi County for rape.
Thirty-four-year-old Melvin Bell was subsequently transported to the Clay County Detention Center and booked on charges of Battery in the Second Degree, a Class D felony (§ 5-13-202), Resisting Arrest (§ 5-54-103), and Disorderly Conduct (§ 5-71-207). On February 16, 2026, Clay County District Judge Curtis Hitt found probable cause and set bond for Mr. Bell at $500,000 cash or surety.