DSP Arrests Two on Drug, Gun Charges after Traffic Stop in Leipsic

LEIPSIC, Del. – The Delaware State Police (DSP) arrested two individuals on drug, weapon, and driving under the influence (DUI) charges following a traffic stop Sunday morning.

Police have arrested 39-year-old James Bell, of Camden, Delaware, and a 36-year-old woman from Bel Air, Maryland. Bell is charged with possession of a firearm within 10 years of a prior conviction of any felony, receiving a stolen firearm, endangering the welfare of a child while DUI, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, and related charges. He was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $57,700 cash bond. The Bel Air woman was released after being issued a criminal summons for criminal impersonation and possession of drug paraphernalia.

At 7:45 a.m. on May 3, a trooper patrolling Second Street in Leipsic saw a Chevrolet Tahoe commit multiple traffic violations. The trooper conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver, identified as Bell, who showed signs of impairment. Also present in the car was a passenger, identified as the Bel Air woman, and an unrestrained and improperly seated child.

During the encounter, the trooper observed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. The 36-year-old woman also provided fictitious personal information in an apparent attempt to conceal her identity from police. All occupants were removed from the vehicle while police say Bell continued to display signs of impairment.

A subsequent vehicle search led to the recovery of a loaded handgun, .08 grams of suspected cocaine, .09 grams of suspected heroin, and various drug paraphernalia. A search of the woman resulted in the discovery of more drug paraphernalia.

A computer search determined Bell has a prior violent felony conviction and is prohibited from possessing firearms. Troopers also learned the firearm was reported stolen through DSP Troop 7.