Person of Interest Sought in Drive-By Shooting Incident

The Wausau Police Department is looking for the public’s assistance in locating a person of interest.

Maurice “JB” Bell, is wanted for questioning in connection with a drive-by shooting which took place Wednesday, July 3. Bell is a 32 year-old black male with ties to Wausau and Chicago, and is wanted by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.

Anyone who knows of Bell’s whereabouts should not approach but immediately call the Wausau Police Department at 715-261-7811.

On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at 2:41 PM, officers were dispatched to the area of N 1st Street and McIndoe Street for the report of a drive-by shooting which resulted in no injuries. A 17 year-old male and an 18 year-old male were traveling on the sidewalk along 1st Street at McIndoe Street when they were confronted by a passing vehicle. The occupant of that vehicle fired shots at the males and fled the area.

Police suspect that the two victims of this incident were targeted because of a perceived association to an incident on Monday, July 1 at 10:30 p.m. at the 600 block of Chicago Avenue, where a 15 year-old male was beaten roadside with a baseball bat. The 15 year-old was transported by ambulance in critical condition and remains hospitalized.

The suspect vehicle in the shooting on Wednesday, registered to 35 year-old Amanda J. Lewis of 526 Chicago Avenue, was located in the vicinity of N 6th Street and Chicago Avenue.

Officers learned that the 15 year-old victim was a friend of Lewis’ son and at Lewis’ address prior to his assault.  Lewis was arrested on Friday, July 5 for her reported involvement in the drive-by shooting on preliminary charges of attempted first-degree intentional homicide (party to the crime), maintaining a drug trafficking place, and obstructing an officer. Formal charges are at the discretion of the Marathon County District Attorney.

Both cases remain under investigation. Anyone with information about either incident is requested to contact the Wausau Police Department at 715-261-7800. To remain anonymous, submit a tip through Marathon County Crime Stoppers by calling 1-877-409-8777 or by visiting www.marathoncountycrimestoppers.org.