Cedar Rapids Resident Arrested Following Federal Search Warrant for Illegal Possession of a Machinegun

Cedar Rapids man Clyde Bell was arrested in DeWitt on a federal warrant. Police searched a local apartment to recover the suspect wanted for illegal weaponry.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 4:58 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from KCRG

The Apprehension of a Federal Fugitive in DeWitt

The quiet of a Tuesday morning in DeWitt was interrupted by a coordinated law enforcement action aimed at taking a high-risk suspect into custody. According to reports from the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, the operation centered on the location of a young man wanted on federal charges that highlight the increasing scrutiny on prohibited weaponry. The suspect, identified as Clyde Bell of Cedar Rapids, was the subject of a United States Marshal’s Office warrant that mobilized local and federal assets to ensure a swift resolution to the search.

A Multi-Agency Coordination to Track the Suspect

The sequence of events began around 11:30 a.m. when federal authorities reached out to local partners with intelligence regarding the suspect's whereabouts. According to deputies, the DeWitt Police Department and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office were alerted that Bell was believed to be hiding within their jurisdiction. This level of inter-agency cooperation is standard for federal warrants, particularly when the underlying charges involve the possession of modified or automatic firearms, which carry significant safety implications for the surrounding community.

The Execution of the Apartment Search Warrant

Once the suspect's likely location was identified, investigators shifted their focus to securing the necessary legal clearances to enter the premises. According to the investigation, law enforcement officers successfully obtained a search warrant for a specific residence within the Pheasant Run Apartment Complex. This strategic move allowed officers to move in with the legal authority required to bypass private property barriers, focusing their efforts on the specific unit where the 20-year-old was allegedly taking refuge.