Opelousas Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested

The suspect in an early-April shooting is now in the St. Landry Parish Jail on an attempted second-degree murder charge.

Opelousas police say they arrested Joseph Bell on Sunday after getting warrants for his arrest.

Bell is accused of accosting an estranged girlfriend on two separate occasions.

The first happened on April 5. Police accuse Bell of following his estranged girlfriend and demanding she get into a car with him. Police say when the estranged girlfriend refused to comply, Bell followed her and shot at her car, hitting it once. Police say Bell also forced his way into the victim's car and stole items.

Police also accuse Bell of forcing his way into the same woman's home last Friday after the woman had filed a restraining order against him.

In addition to the attempted murder charge, Bell is also facing simple burglary, aggravated burglary, simple assault, and violation of a protective order charges.