Agents of the S.C. Law Enforcement Division filed charges against the man suspected of killing Airport Public Safety Officer, Jackson Ryan Winkeler, at the Florence Regional Airport in Florence County on Sunday.
James Edward Bell, age 37, of Homestead, FL, is charged with murder, discharging of firearm into vehicle, and possession of weapon during violent crime.
The warrants state the following: “On January 5, 2020, Florence Regional Airport Officer Winkeler initiated a traffic stop on a white 2014 Chrysler 200 vehicle … on airport property located in Florence, South Carolina. During the traffic stop, James Bell shot and killed Officer Winkeler. When additional officers arrived, Officer Winkeler was found deceased and lying on the ground outside of his vehicle. Officer Winkeler’s department issued weapon was missing, and said vehicle was not on scene. Officers found an additional empty 9 mm handgun near Officer Winkeler that did not belong to him and more than 30 spent shell casings. Officer Winkeler’s vehicle had a bullet entry near the driver’s side mirror. Deputies with the FCSO located Bell in said vehicle near Highway 52 in Florence County, South Carolina. While performing traffic stop procedures, deputies located Officer Winkeler’s department issued weapon on Bell’s person and a magazine consistent with the additional handgun left near Officer Winkeler.”
Bell was booked at the Florence County Detention Center.
The case will be prosecuted by the 12th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
