ALTO, TN – A Franklin County man is facing multiple felony charges after an armed incident Tuesday morning in the Alto community led to a lengthy law enforcement response involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Franklin County Emergency Management Agency.
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 9 a.m. on June 30 to a report of shots fired inside a residence in the Alto area.
When deputies arrived, they spoke with the victim, who reported that James Matthew Bell had allegedly fired a pistol multiple times inside the home and assaulted him during the incident. The victim also informed deputies that several firearms were inside the residence.
Investigators determined Bell also had two outstanding warrants and previous military training, prompting law enforcement to take additional precautions while attempting to resolve the situation safely.
Deputies initially attempted to contact Bell by telephone and over a public address system, but those efforts were unsuccessful. The Sheriff’s Office then requested assistance from the FBI’s Nashville Field Office and the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency.
Authorities said an FBI negotiator was eventually able to reestablish communication with Bell. During the operation, the FBI used specialized equipment to breach the front door of the residence. Bell then exited the home and was taken into custody without further incident.
The victim was the only person reported injured during the incident. No injuries were reported among law enforcement officers or responding agencies.
During the investigation, authorities seized 12 firearms, multiple rounds of ammunition, and tactical gear from the residence.
Bell has been charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, 12 counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and resisting arrest.
He is being held on a $300,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on August 3, 2026.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office thanked the FBI Nashville Field Office and the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency for their assistance in bringing the incident to a peaceful conclusion.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and Bell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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