UKIAH, CA., 2/3/26 — Ukiah police used Tasers to take a 43-year-old Willits man into custody Monday after he was allegedly carrying a large knife and acting erratically and prompted multiple standoffs with officers.
Robert Bell was taken into custody after officers initially responded shortly before 7:30 p.m. Monday to a report of someone with a large knife yelling and shirtless in the 500 block of North State Street, according to police.
Officers with assistance from the local nonprofit Redwood Community Services tried to negotiate with Bell for more than an hour to drop the knife, during which time he allegedly cut himself, exposed his genitals, and appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance, police said.
Bell then allegedly stepped down from a bus stop bench while holding the knife and began walking toward a Mendocino County sheriff’s sergeant, prompting officers to deploy “less-lethal” devices at him. He fled north to the entrance of a residential building, then went into a parking lot in the 600 block of North State Street where another standoff ensued, according to police.
Officers were eventually able to use Tasers to take Bell into custody. An officer suffered a minor laceration during the arrest and was later cleared to return to duty, police said.
Bell was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, brandishing a deadly weapon, resisting arrest, and violating his probation. He was taken to a hospital for evaluation and treatment, according to police.
Thank you so much for not killing the probably mentally ill man. Also, he sadly won’t get the help he needs in prison. Our system is broken.
Karen, I too am grateful to the police for not just ” offing” him.
They showed great restraint and I am proud of them for that.
I know they are probably in a constant state of adrenaline overload due to the amount of stress they endure daily. And because they put their lives on the line daily.
Let’s pray for those in authority over us
Also, I want to thank our law enforcement for helping to keep us safe. I for one am grateful, and I definitely want them to show up for me when I call them needing help.
If this is the same Robert Bell who cut himself trying to destroy my truck, to which he did lots of damage, entered my home in a threatening manner, and terrified me, the police arrested him, but Eyster would not prosecute, even though there was an order to have him committed. I am glad he is arrested, and may they keep him away from the public. Our local school was on lockdown from him about ten times. He attacked cars with huge rocks and would go down the road naked, threatening people. And when the police would come, he would hide. He injured his father and put him in the hospital and threatened yet again to kill him. He needs to be kept from harming people. Please keep him under arrest.
an addition to my prior comment, he also threatened to kill his ex-wife and little girl. This is a violent person who needs to be kept away from the public. He also sets fires. A dangerous man.
Bobby Bell terrorizes the neighborhoods. Children are traumatized by his failure to stay sober and stay home and keep his clothes on. Bobby Bell is violent and invaded the home of my dear elderly neighbor, violently attacking her property and doing damage. Bobby Bell has started fires. Bobby Bell has exhibited a pattern of dangerous behavior. Please protect our community by keeping Bobby Bell locked away before he succeeds in hurting others.