A Hall County work release inmate who stole a motorcycle from a fellow inmate was captured in Oconee County, South Carolina, just hours after fleeing his job site on Monday afternoon, June 2.
According to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the 1200 block of Industrial Boulevard in Gainesville after receiving a report that 39-year-old Daniel Jesse Bell of Braselton had stolen a Kawasaki motorcycle. The victim, another work release inmate, told deputies he believed Bell took the motorcycle around 12:45 p.m., shortly after returning from lunch.
At 2:16 p.m., HCSO officials were notified that Bell had removed his ankle monitor. Hall County Dispatch quickly issued an alert through the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) with details about Bell and the stolen motorcycle.
Stephens County deputies located Bell around 3:45 p.m. and began pursuing him. The chase continued into South Carolina, where the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office joined in. Bell eventually lost control of the motorcycle and crashed on Westminster Highway. He and two deputies were injured during his arrest.
In Hall County, Bell now faces felony charges of escape, interference with an electronic monitoring device, and theft by taking. At the time of his escape, he was serving time for fleeing and eluding, reckless driving, and DUI-drugs/less safe.
As to why a work release inmate had a motorcycle at the work site, Hall County Sheriff’s Public Information Officer Derreck Booth says personal vehicles are allowed in some instances.
“Hall County Jail officials seek input from the court of jurisdiction to determine which work release inmates can assume the responsibility of using personal vehicles,” Booth says. He adds that the practice benefits inmates’ families by relieving them of the burden of providing transportation. “It also benefits the inmate, preventing the offender from spending extra money on taxis, ride-sharing services or other modes of transportation.”
