Missing Bradenton Tropicana coworker found after shooter kidnapped her, police say

Michael Moore Jr.
·2 min read
2

The suspected shooter who injured a coworker at the Bradenton Tropicana plant is facing kidnapping charges after police located the woman who “unwillingly” fled the scene with him, officials say.

Detectives found Elecia Nicole Bing, 38, in Tampa Wednesday night and returned her to Bradenton early Thursday morning to be reunited with her family, police said in a press release. Bing went missing late Monday night and had last been seen leaving the Tropicana facility with Demetrius Tyrone Bell, a 50-year-old coworker who is accused of shooting another employee.

According to a press release, Bell returned to the plant after his scheduled shift and shot a male coworker before fleeing the scene and taking Bing with him. Police believe the two men had an argument before the shooting.

Detectives said they were concerned with Bing’s safety and that she did not leave willingly with Bell. She was released uninjured by Bell Wednesday night around 10 p.m. in Tampa, according to a release.

Bing, who also works at Tropicana, is not facing any charges.

Detectives continue to look for Bell, who they consider armed and dangerous.

Bradenton Tropicana shooter faces kidnapping charge

Bell faces charges of aggravated battery with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Two additional warrants have been filed for Bell for armed kidnapping and aggravated assault with a firearm, according to BPD.

The shooting victim was taken to the hospital as a trauma patient, where he remains hospitalized. No other employees at the plant were injured.

Further information about the shooting was not immediately available Thursday morning.

According to police, Bell left the scene of the shooting in a 2015 black Chevrolet Camaro with Florida license plate QUQF97.

If you have information on Bell’s or Bing’s location, contact Detective Jeff Beckley at 941-932-9356 or jeff.beckley@bradentonpd.com. You can also leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000, call Crime Stoppers (toll-free) at 1-866-634-8477 (TIPS) or send an anonymous E-Tip through www.manateecrimestoppers.com.

The Bradenton Police Department is searching for Demetrius Tyrone Bell, 50, who is accused of shooting at coworker at the Bradenton Tropicana plant Monday night.
The Bradenton Police Department is searching for Demetrius Tyrone Bell, 50, who is accused of shooting at coworker at the Bradenton Tropicana plant Monday night.