Man arrested in East Nashville after making drug transaction in front of detectives, police say
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A man has found himself behind bars once again after he was caught making an 'illegal drug transaction' in an East Nashville housing complex Tuesday night, authorities said.
The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) said 33-year-old Dejuan Bell was arrested Tuesday night after detectives spotted him exit a Nissan Altima and walk up to a pickup truck to conduct a suspected drug deal in the area of Cayce Homes.
As Bell was approached by detectives, he reportedly ran away and threw a Glock pistol from his waistband.
Food delivery driver robbed at knifepoint in South Nashville
According to officials, detectives later arrested Bell and recovered the gun, which was reported stolen in 2022 during a vehicle burglary on 6th Avenue South.
In addition to the gun, officers also recovered 164 grams of marijuana, 4.5 grams of cocaine, 4.2 grams of oxycodone pills, a digital scale and more than $2,100 in cash.
During an interview with detectives, the 33-year-old allegedly admitted to selling drugs and carrying the firearm.
Bell, who pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for his connection to a 2018 homicide case, was reportedly convicted of felony evading arrest in 2024 and was on TDOC probation at the time of his arrest.
For Tuesday's incident, he was charged with theft of a firearm, criminal trespassing, driving on a suspended license, felony weapon possession, being a felon in possession of a firearm, misdemeanor evading arrest, drug paraphernalia and three counts of drug possession.
Booking records show Bell is being held in Metro Jail on a $93,500 bond.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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