Man Impersonates Police Officer, Rapes Man In PG County: Police

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — An Upper Marlboro man was arrested for impersonating a police officer and allegedly sexually assaulting a man in Langley Park, police said.

Michael Leon Bell, 36, of Dery Road, is charged with first-degree rape, second-degree assault, impersonating a police officer and additional charges.

Police said Bell approached an adult male victim in the 2300 block of University Blvd. the morning of Nov. 26. Bell, who was wearing a fake police badge around his neck, approached the victim and identified himself as a police officer. Bell allegedly asked the victim for his ID and patted him down, police said.

Bell then told the victim that they were in a dangerous area and offered the man a ride home. The victim accepted, and Bell drove the man to the 2100 block of Guilford Rd. Police said Bell then climbed into the backseat with the victim and forced the victim to perform sexual acts.

The victim was eventually able to escape Bell's car, described as a black 2007 Ford Crown Victoria. The victim took a picture of the car's license plate and called 911.

Detectives identified Bell as the suspect based on the picture of the license plate. Evidence collected during the execution of a search warrant linked Bell to the crime and also indicated there may be additional victims, police said.

Anyone who has information that may be critical to this case is urged to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit 301-772-4908. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)

Photo: Bell, his car and badge via PGPD