Wanted Man Spotted in St. Louis Park

People are sending tips to police about sightings of Mark Christopher Bell. Now police are urging people to make those calls sooner. 

have received numerous tips about Bell, who police say has been scamming residents out of their money—anywhere from a few bucks to hundreds of dollars.

Golden Valley Patch and St. Louis Park Patch have received information from our readers about Bell, who has reportedly boosted his requests for money with a story that his car broke down and that he's associated with a local church. Now St. Louis Park police say they've received reports that he's been seen asking for money in the Elmwood neighborhood.

A warrant for his arrest was issued Saturday, but police haven't been able to bring him into custody.

"If you've been scammed, or even if you've just seen Bell, waiting an hour or a day before calling police won't do us any good," says Joanne Paul, crime analyst with the Golden Valley Police Department. "We need to know where is is now."

for soliciting without a permit after a resident called police about a month ago. The caller told police Bell went door-to-door saying he needed help because his car had broken down on the highway. Police found Bell and say they disproved his story and arrested him. He was booked and released, but didn't show up for his court date last week.

After issuing a crime alert March 2, it took less than 24 hours for police to get a lead from a local resident. Bell was arrested and released on bail. Police say with Bell and have arrested and booked him at least two more times.

After Bell didn't show up for court, police issued a new warrant for his arrest on Saturday and are once again relying on the help of local residents.

"He's well-dressed and well-spoken, and often has a story about his car breaking down and a tow truck driver not accepting a check," says Paul.

Police say Bell hasn't displayed any violent behavior.

"Does that mean he can't? Not necessarily," says Paul. "I'd direct people to his criminal record."

Police cite a lengthy criminal history for Bell dating to 1983, including drug charges and episodes of burglary, forgery, robbery, fleeing police, weapons violations and theft.

Police say Bell looked for opportunities to steal and often told people that he had just come from church. Some people have given him cash and, in one case, police say, someone actually drove him to a cash machine to give him money.

After more than a month of dealing with Bell, police say they've had enough.

"It's a livability issue," says Paul. "We're spending time and money keeping track of Mr. Bell and it's a nuisance for us and for the residents."