Drake Bell allegedly threatened suicide amid child custody issues

According to police reports obtained by TMZ, Drake Bell’s brother, Robert, contacted Orlando Police Department on Wednesday claiming that the former child actor was “distraught and made suicidal statements.”

Robert told police that Bell was out visiting Janet Von Schmeling, his wife whom he is separated from, in Winter Park, Florida to discuss custody arrangements for their son, Jeremy.

Bell’s brief disappearance

This apparently took place a day before Bell was reported missing on Thursday.

The Daytona Beach Police Department announced Bell’s disappearance on Facebook, writing that “[h]e is considered missing and endangered.”

Hours later, Officer Carrie McCallister confirmed that Bell was located and “safe.”

“At this time, we can confirm law enforcement officials are in contact and Mr. Bell is safe,” the statement read.

In a tweet, Bell made light of the situation by writing, “you leave your phone in the car and don’t answer for the night and this?” and included a laughing emoji. The tweet has since been deleted.

Bell’s history with the law

Bell garnered fame as a child star for roles in Nickelodeon shows like ‘Drake & Josh’ and ‘The Amanda Show,’ however, Bell has frequently made headlines for negative behavior in recent years.

In 2016, he was charged with a misdemeanor and served one day in jail for a suspicion of DUI.

In 2020, his ex-girlfriend, Melissa Lingafelt, accused Bell of verbal and physical abuse, which he denied.

In June 2021, Bell was arrested for attempted child endangerment and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles. He was also accused of sexual misconduct, but Bell’s attorney disputed this.

He pled guilty to the endangerment charges and, in July 2021, was sentenced to two years of probation and 200 hours of community service.

Bell was also told to forgo communication with the victim, who was 15 at the time.