(UPDATED) Police: Beware of 'Gentleman' Con Artist

UPDATE 4:45 p.m. 7/30/13: Richfield police spokesperson Lt. Mike Flaherty confirmed that the Minneapolis Police Department have arrested Bell.


UPDATE 5:42 p.m. 7/29/13: In a post on the Richfield Police Department's Facebook page, the department announced Bell had been arrested. Patch is working to confirm this report, and we'll update this story as soon as we know more.

Original Post: Richfield Public Safety is urging citizens to be aware of a "chronic scam artist" in town.

According to a recent crime alert, Mark Bell, who also calls himself Marcus Bell or Marcus Wells, goes door-to-door scamming victims with his good manners. He is described as a 52-year-old black male, well-dressed and well-spoken.

When approaching residents, he goes to their house, claiming that his car broke down and he needs $46 to cover a tow. According to police, Bell has been doing this for years in the metro and his ruse always includes a plea for emergency assistance in the $45 range. He has hit several houses in Minnetonka, Minneapolis, and Richfield, and there is a warrant out for his arrest for theft/fraud.