Columbia County deputies capture man wanted for kidnapping

A man wanted on kidnapping and other “violent charges” in Columbia County was arrested Wednesday, deputies said.

Investigators issued an alert Wednesday morning saying there is a “heavy law enforcement presence” in the area of Northeast Annie Mattox Street and Northeast Gurley Avenue in Lake City.

They said units are looking for James Anderson Bell Jr., who was wanted for kidnapping and additional violent charges.

“He should be considered armed and dangerous,” the social media post said.

“Thank you to our citizens who worked with us and our law enforcement partners! This was a team effort involving our community, Lake City Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, Department of Corrections K9, and Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Air Unit,” the Sheriff’s Office wrote.