Maryland

Police: Maryland Man Impersonated Officer, Sexually Assaulted Another Man

A Maryland man was lured into a car and sexually assaulted by a man who was impersonating a police officer, police said.

Michael Leon Bell, 36, of Upper Marlboro, was arrested and charged with rape, assault, impersonating a police officer and other charges, Prince George’s County police said in a statement.

Police released a photograph of the badge they say Bell used, which says "Sergeant" and "Special Agent." 

Police said their investigation revealed that Bell, who was driving a black 2007 Ford Crown Victoria, approached the victim early Sunday on the 2300 block of University Boulevard.

Bell, with the badge hanging around his neck, said he was police officer, asked the man for identification and proceeded to pat him down, according to police.

Police said Bell kept the man's identification and refused to give it back to him.

Bell offered the man a ride home, telling him the area they were in was dangerous, and the man accepted, police said.

Bell then drove the man to the 2100 block of Guilford Road, climbed into the backseat and forced the victim to perform sexual acts while the victim repeatedly asked Bell to stop, police said. 

The man eventually escaped the car, taking a photograph of the car’s license plate as the suspect sped away. The man then called 911. Police responded about 6:15 a.m.

Using the licence plate picture, police found Bell. While arresting Bell, police found two identification documents from two other men. Detectives believe he may have attacked other people.

Anyone who has information about the case is asked to call Prince George’s County Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit at 301-772-4908.

Contact Us