Drake Bell found safe after being “missing and endangered” in Florida

Actor Drake Bell, best known for co-starring in Nickelodeon’s Drake & Josh, has been found safe after being declared “missing and endangered” by the Daytona Beach Police Department.

As per the DBPD’s post on Facebook just this morning, “Officers are looking for Jared Bell”, referring to Bell’s real name (his middle name is Drake). They also wrote that Drake Bell’s last known whereabouts before going missing were potentially near a high school just before 9 p.m. on Wednesday. Officials said that he is likely traveling in a BMW. The situation has garnered such media attention that the department had to assure followers the story was real, confirming, “For those asking, this is a legitimate post from the Daytona Beach Police Department.” As of publication, the initial post had more than 1,000 comments.

The police department’s specific noting of the high school location may sound alarms to some. While nothing is confirmed as to why (or even if) he was near the school, those who have kept up on Drake Bell’s life after his Nickelodeon fame are certainly aware of his disturbing recent past. In 2021, Bell pleaded guilty to “attempted endangerment of a child, a felony, and a misdemeanor charge of disseminating harmful material to juveniles”, related to contact with a 15-year-old girl. At the time, Bell said, “I accept this plea because my conduct was wrong…I’m sorry the victim was harmed. It was not my intention. I take this matter very seriously, and, again, I just want to apologize to her and anyone else who may have been affected by my actions.”

Drake Bell rose to fame through the aforementioned Drake & Josh, which ran for four seasons. That show was created by Dan Schneider, who has come under fire over verbal abuse and sexual misconduct, although an investigation into the latter found no legitimate evidence. Bell’s co-star, Josh Peck, has yet to make a statement on any of his social media accounts. (The two had previously been linked to a Turner & Hooch reboot.) Other notable credits for Bell include voicing the title character on Disney XD’s Ultimate Spider-Man and Rick Riker/Dragonfly in spoof Superhero Movie.

Fortunately for his fans, Drake Bell was found “safe” not long after going missing. What was your reaction when you heard Drake Bell was missing? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below.