Wanted Man Spotted in St. Louis Park

People are sending tips to police about sightings of Mark Christopher Bell. Police are urging people to make those calls sooner. 

have received numerous tips about Bell, who police say has been scamming residents out of their money—anywhere from a few bucks to hundreds of dollars. Now St. Louis Park police say they've received reports that Bell has been seen asking for money in the Elmwood Neighborhood.

Patch readers have emailed with information about Bell, who has reportedly boosted his requests for money with a story that his car broke down and that he's associated with a local church.

A warrant for his arrest was issued Saturday in Golden Valley, but police haven't been able to bring him into custody. It's not the first time Golden Valley police have gotten involved—Bell has been booked and released on at least three occasions.

"If you've been scammed, or even if you've just seen Bell, waiting an hour or a day before calling police won't do us any good," said Joanne Paul, crime analyst with the Golden Valley Police Department. "We need to know where is is now."

for soliciting without a permit after a resident called police about a month ago. The caller told police that Bell went door-to-door saying he needed help because his car had broken down on the highway. Police found Bell, and said they disproved his story and arrested him. He was booked and released, but didn't show up for his court date last week. That prompted the warrant on Saturday.

In addition to filing the warrant, police are once again turning to residents for help.

"He's well-dressed and well-spoken, and often has a story about his car breaking down and a tow truck driver not accepting a check," Paul said.

Police note that Bell hasn't displayed any violent behavior.

"Does that mean he can't? Not necessarily," Paul added. "I'd direct people to his criminal record."

Police cite a lengthy criminal history for Bell dating to 1983, including drug charges and episodes of burglary, forgery, robbery, fleeing police, weapons violations and theft.

Bell looked for opportunities to steal and often told people that he had just come from church, according to police. Some people have given him cash and, in one case, police said, someone actually drove him to a cash machine to give him money.

After more than a month of dealing with Bell, police say they've had enough.

"It's a livability issue," Paul said. "We're spending time and money keeping track of Mr. Bell and it's a nuisance for us and for the residents."