A Tenessee man is behind bars after police say a kidnapping victim escaped captivity last week after being held in a closet for two months.
According to Fox News, Dyersburg police responded to a call at around 1:30 p.m. Saturday to a Dyersburg residence off Schaffer Street. According to a male caller, a 40-year-old woman ran up to him while he was working in the area and told him someone had kidnapped her several months ago, but she managed to escape.
Officers found the woman hiding under construction property with facial cuts. Police said she appeared to weigh under 100 pounds. She told police a man, who has since been identified as Brenton Bell, 30, held her inside a closet after their relationship turned physical. She was allegedly given limited food while locked in a closet without access to a toilet.
Police arrested Bell on March 15, on Moss Street in Dyersburg, while the victim was taken for medical treatment, then released.
“I was just in disbelief. I can’t believe we live right down the road and this was happening. This lady’s been, you said 2 months, right? Was held captive, and no one knew about it. It’s really horrifying to think this could happen in your backyard,” a neighbor told Fox 13 Memphis.
Bell is facing an aggravated kidnapping charge. Check back for updates.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode:
[Feature Photo: Brenton Bell/Police Handout]
