BEAR, DE — Detectives from the New Castle County Division of Police have arrested a Bear man following an alleged high-speed chase and confrontation that nearly injured several officers during a late-night traffic stop, authorities said.
According to police, the incident occurred on Friday, October 24, 2025, shortly after 11:00 p.m., when detectives from the department’s Active Crime Trend Team (ACTT) were conducting proactive patrols near the Smalleys Dam community. Detectives observed a black Kia Cadenza committing multiple traffic violations and initiated a traffic stop.
The driver, identified as 29-year-old James Munford of Bear, initially complied when approached by officers. However, police allege that during the stop, Munford suddenly shifted the vehicle into drive and accelerated, narrowly missing two officers who were standing beside the car. Both officers were able to move out of the way to avoid being struck.
As Munford fled at a high rate of speed, investigators said he drove directly toward a third officer responding to the scene. The officer reportedly maneuvered his vehicle to avoid a collision. A brief pursuit followed, ending near the unit block of Victoria Boulevard, where Munford allegedly abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.
After a short pursuit, police said Munford was apprehended following a Taser deployment and taken into custody without further incident. He was later transported to New Castle County Police Headquarters for processing.
Munford has been charged with three felony counts of reckless endangering in the first degree, one felony count of resisting arrest with force, one felony count of disregarding a police officer’s signal, one misdemeanor count of resisting arrest, and one count of reckless driving, in addition to other related traffic offenses.
He was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $25,900 cash bail.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.