Hours before the former child star was found, the Daytona Beach Police Department announced via Facebook Thursday morning that "officers are looking" for Bell
Drake Bell has been found.
Hours after Bell, 36, was declared missing, Daytona Beach Police Department Public Information Officer Carrie McCallister confirmed to PEOPLE that the former child star has been located.
"At this time, we can confirm law enforcement officials are in
contact and Mr. Bell is safe," the statement read.
The Daytona
Beach Police Department announced on Facebook Thursday morning that
"officers are looking" for Bell.
"He should be traveling in a
2022 grey BMW and his last known location is potentially the area of
Mainland High School on 4/12/2023 just before 9 p.m.," the post read. "He is
considered missing and endangered."
The post has since been
updated to reflect that he's since been found.
Bell is best-known
for starring in Nickelodeon shows including Drake & Josh and The Amanda
Show, though he also appeared in several films including Yours, Mine and
Ours and Superhero Movie. He has primarily focused on his music career in
recent years.
Bell has frequently been in the headlines over the years for
his controversial behavior. His ex-girlfriend Melissa Lingafelt accused him
of verbal and physical abuse in 2020, but he has denied the allegations. He
was also charged with a misdemeanor in 2016 and served one day in jail for a
2015 suspicion of DUI.
In June 2021, Bell was arrested for
attempted child endangerment and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles.
His victim — who was 15 at the time — also accused him of sexual misconduct
but his attorney disputed the allegations.
Bell pleaded guilty to
the endangerment charges. He was sentenced that July to two years of
probation and 200 hours of community service. Additionally, he was told not
to contact the victim.
Bell shares a son, Jeremy, with ex-wife Janet Von Schmeling. In
January, a source told PEOPLE that the couple — who quietly wed in 2018 —
separated late last year. But the exes are "committed to maintaining a
peaceful co-parenting relationship and giving their son the best life
possible," the source explained.
