The Delaware State Police arrested 39-year-old James Bell, of Camden, Delaware, and a 36-year-old woman from Bel Air, Maryland, on drug, weapon, and driving under the influence charges following a traffic stop Sunday morning in Leipsic.
On May 3, 2026, at approximately 7:45 a.m., a trooper patrolling Second Street, near Denny Street, saw a Chevrolet Tahoe commit multiple traffic violations. The trooper conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver, identified as James Bell, who showed signs of impairment. Also present was a passenger, identified as the 36-year-old woman, and an unrestrained and improperly seated child.
During the encounter, the trooper saw drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. The 36-year-old woman also provided fictitious personal information an apparent attempt to conceal her identity. All occupants were removed from the vehicle and Bell continued to display signs of impairment.
A subsequent vehicle search led to the recovery of the following items:
-A loaded handgun
-Approximately .08 grams of suspected cocaine
-Approximately .09 grams of suspected heroin
-Various drug paraphernalia
A search of the woman resulted in the discovery of additional 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 Delaware State Police Troop 7.
The 36-year-old woman was released after being issued a criminal summons for criminal impersonation and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Bell was arrested and taken to Troop 9 where troopers obtained a search warrant for his blood. He was charged with the below listed offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $57,700 cash bond.
- Possession of a Firearm Within 10 Years of Prior Conviction of Any Felony (Felony)
- Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited Who Also Possesses a Controlled Substance (Felony)
- Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
- Receiving a Stolen Firearm (Felony)
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child While Driving Under the Influence
- Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence
- Possession of a Controlled Substance – 2 counts
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Driving Under the Influence of a Combination of Alcohol and Any Drug
- Related Traffic Offenses