A suspected meth dealer is behind bars after he tried to flee from police during a disturbance call, police said.
The area’s Drug Task Force collected evidence in May suggesting Dell Bland, 31, may have been dealing methamphetamine out of an apartment at 1153 West End Ave. in Fayetteville.
Neighbors began complaining to management about the large number of people visiting Bland’s apartment unit. Peggy Laird, property manager at the West End Studio Apartments, said she also noticed constant, heavy traffic.
"There were different cars, different people coming in. I had known a few that had gotten arrested before for the same thing," Laird said. "I knew right away that they were dealing."
Police searched Bland’s apartment while he was gone, finding a small hole cut in the window blinds and a camera pointed out of the hole.
Police also found a safe with methamphetamine inside, as well as a blue bag filled with syringes, straws and a spoon, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.
"They came out and tried to catch Dell Bland, but he had already gotten a clue and then gone," Laird said.
In Bland’s absence, an arrest warrant was issued. Two days after management contacted police, Bland moved from the apartment.
"After the cops swarmed the place, they never showed back up, left all their stuff there and just vanished," said Chase Kersten, who has lived at the West End Apartments since February.
Officers in Farmington approached Bland during a disturbance call Sunday and arrested him shortly after he ran from police. Officers had discovered Bland used a fake name with officers, according to the Farmington Police Department.
Neighbors said they're glad Bland is in jail because they believed his presence at the complex was endangering their children.
"I was wondering why the police was riding down through here a lot, but I see now," said Lela Key, a neighbor. "I feel kind of relieved that my kids can go out and play."
Laird said she's always kept a close eye on the residents to make sure the complex stays safe.
"I'm not going to tolerate it. I'll get them all out of here," Laird said. "I've been here for five years and fight that every year."
Bland remained in the Washington County Detention Center on Monday on $8,580 bond. He faces charges of felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, possession of drug paraphernalia, disorderly conduct, obstructing government operations, resisting arrest and fleeing.