SOUTH BEND – Everyone knows the name Bond...James Bond. They recognize it from the books and movies, but these past few days that name is turning heads for a different reason and it's causing frustration for a local man.
Just yesterday police announced a man named James Bond Jr. had been charged with murder in South Bend, and now they're actively looking for him.
Police released a picture of the suspect Wednesday afternoon. He's 35 years old and has a very well-known name.
But the name “James Bond” is shared with a handful of other men in our surrounding area, and one of those men has been catching some heat for a crime he didn't commit.
"When your name is James Bond, everyone remembers it," said James C. Bond. "I'm really glad the picture [of the murder suspect] is something that looks nothing like me."
This 42-year-old father of three, husband and reliable businessman shares the name of the movie icon and, unfortunately, now a murder suspect.
"We've had a few people calling here at the store asking if it's the same James Bond," Bond said.
Obviously he's not the guy police want.
"At first it was funny, but then people were taking it serious,” he said. “I don't want people thinking I’m wanted for murder.”
From phone calls to Facebook posts, people started questioning what was really going on.
“This morning I had put out there, ‘OK guys, it's not me. I’m not wanted for murder,’” Bond said. “People are still finding it funny, but some others say they still think it's me."
This Bond isn’t wanted for murder, and he is confident police will find the real man they want.
"If they haven't caught him yet, I don't think he'll last too long with his name. His name will haunt him on this one," Bond said.
As of this afternoon, Bond's company was still receiving phone calls asking if he’s the same guy. He’s hoping the recently released picture of the “James Bond Jr.” will help dispel the confusion out there.
