Tampa, FL – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an armed kidnapping that occurred in the early hours of Thursday, July 18, 2024. At approximately 1:30 a.m., a call reported a possible kidnapping near the 5000 block of Bordeaux Village Place in Tampa.
Deputies arrived at the scene and spoke with witnesses who reported seeing a black Nissan sedan. The witnesses stated that two individuals forcibly placed 25-year-old Jayanna Clark into the vehicle.
During the ongoing investigation, detectives identified Jayvontae Bell, 26, as the primary suspect in the kidnapping. Bell already had a warrant for his arrest in Pinellas County for armed kidnapping in a separate incident.
After more than 18 hours of extensive searching, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, successfully located Jayanna Clark.
She was found safe and unharmed with Jayvontae Bell in the 2200 block of 13th Street SW in Largo. Both were observed exiting a shed beside a residence. Bell was arrested at the scene without incident.
Jayvontae Bell faces multiple charges, including:
- Armed Kidnapping
- Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (4 counts)
- Battery
Detectives are conducting interviews with all parties involved to ascertain the events.
“I’m relieved that this woman was found safely this evening,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Now, our detectives will re-trace the steps taken by the suspect today and hold this man accountable.”
An updated booking photo for Jayvontae Bell will be provided when available.