Drake Bell speaks out for first time after being reported missing

Drake Bell has posted a light-hearted message on social media after he was reported missing.

An alert was issued for the former Disney star after his loved ones couldn't reach him for several hours.

Fearing the worst, authorities said the 36-year-old was 'missing and endangered' in Florida.

The alert, which was posted to Facebook, read: "Officers are looking for Jared Bell.

"He should be travelling in a 2022 grey BMW."

Before finally being found, Bell's last known location was 'potentially the area of Mainland High School' at 9pm EST.

In a follow-up comment, the police department added: "For those asking, this is a legitimate post from the Daytona Beach Police Department. If you have any information, please contact Detective Jayson Wallace."

Thankfully, he was found alive and well and Drake has now revealed what sparked all the drama.

Writing on Twitter, he said: "You leave your phone in the car and don’t answer for the night and this?"

The 36-year-old was probably getting loads of calls and messages and they were all going unanswered for a very understandable reason.

Let this be a lesson to people to make sure they have their devices on them at all times in case someone thinks you've gone missing.

Or, if you want some alone time away from digital devices then let someone know where you'll be.

The Daytona Beach Police Department updated its missing persons report on the actor when he was found safe and well.

Their message said: "At this time, we can confirm law enforcement officials are in contact and Mr Bell is safe."

In recent years, the former child star had a whole number of run-ins with the law.

The 36-year-old only just completed his probation over an alleged child-endangerment case that he pleaded guilty to.

He was accused of inappropriate conduct with a person under the age of 18 in a club that he was attending to perform and had

allegedly started up an online relationship with the minor before the incident.

Bell was sentenced to two years of probation for the felony attempted child endangerment charges, as well as a misdemeanour charge of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles.

He admitted the charges two years ago back in July 2021, stating: "I accept this plea because my conduct was wrong."

Alongside the probation sentence, Bell was also sentenced to 20 hours of unpaid community service and was forbidden to have any further contact with the victim.