Amite Police Arrest Suspect for Theft - Also, Was Wanted Sex Offender

On Wednesday (June 25, 2025), at approximately 3:19 PM, the Amite City Police Department responded to a reported theft at Walmart in Amite, Louisiana.

Upon arrival, officers were provided a description of the suspect, who had fled the store on a bicycle. Officers quickly located the individual traveling westbound on W. Oak Street near the I-55 overpass.

The suspect, later identified as 50 year-old Trace Bell of Roseland, refused to comply with officers and attempted to evade capture by continuing westbound on his bicycle. As an officer exited his patrol unit on the shoulder of the roadway, Bell collided with the vehicle’s driver-side door. He then attempted to flee the scene on foot but was apprehended shortly after.

Bell has been charged with the following: Theft, Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Simple Criminal Damage to Property, and Fugitive from the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Department for failing to register as a sex offender.

The Amite City Police Department would like to thank the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Department for their assistance during the apprehension.