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ST. CLAIRSVILLE -- Bellaire Fire Department Chief Tim Bell has been found not guilty of assault.
On Thursday, Bell was found not guilty by Belmont County Eastern Division Court Judge David Trouten.
This past July, Bell was charged with physically assaulting a woman in Shadyside.
Shadyside Police Chief Don Collette previously confirmed that the original charge stemmed from an altercation that took place behind the Shadyside American Legion after an altercation inside the building.
Bell's lawyer, Jacob Leach, said that witnesses testified and evidence was presented to the court on Thursday.
"We’re very happy with the results. I’m glad that the justice system works the way it does and that everybody has a chance to have their day in court," Leach said.
When Bell was initially charged, Bellaire Mayor Robert Dodrill suspended Bell pending the investigation.
Leach said that since Bell was found not guilty, it is believed that he will be reinstated as the fire chief.