TOWNSEND, DE — Delaware State Police have announced the arrest of 25-year-old James Eaves of Dover, Delaware, and three others following a high-speed pursuit of a stolen vehicle that resulted in an officer-involved shooting. The incident, which unfolded on May 9, 2025, involved allegations of theft, firearm possession, and resisting arrest.
According to authorities, the events began at approximately 9:15 p.m. when troopers responded to a report of a stolen white Infiniti QX6 traveling near Dupont Highway in Camden. A trooper spotted the vehicle at a local Walmart and verified it had been reported stolen earlier this month within New Castle County. When a traffic stop was initiated, the driver reportedly failed to pull over, leading to a high-speed chase.
The pursuit was initially called off due to safety concerns after the vehicle reportedly traveled recklessly and endangered pedestrians and other motorists. However, a second pursuit took place shortly afterward on Dupont Highway near the Dover Mall. The vehicle ultimately became disabled north of Fieldsboro Road in Townsend after a collision and continued reckless driving.
Investigators state that the driver, later identified as Eaves, exited the vehicle armed with a firearm, which he dropped and then retrieved. Police allege that Eaves attempted to flee toward a tree line while disregarding verbal commands to stop and drop the weapon. A trooper discharged their firearm, striking Eaves during what officials described as a fast-moving encounter.
Eaves received medical aid at the scene and was transported to a hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
Three other individuals, identified as 18-year-old Iman Houston of Wilmington, Delaware, a 19-year-old woman from Smyrna, Delaware, and a 22-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, were apprehended in a nearby wooded area without further incident.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Eaves has been charged with the following offenses:
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
- Possession or Control of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
- Resisting Arrest with Force or Violence and Intentionally Fleeing from a Peace Officer
- Disregarding a Police Officer’s Signal
- Receiving Stolen Property over $1,500
- Conspiracy in the Second Degree
He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 2 and remains in custody at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $138,407 cash bond.
Houston has been charged with:
- Receiving Stolen Property over $1,500
- Conspiracy in the Second Degree
- Resisting Arrest
She was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.
The two remaining suspects, whose names have not been released due to the misdemeanor nature of the charges, were each charged with resisting arrest and released on $1,000 unsecured bonds.
Ongoing Investigations
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is conducting an investigation into the use of force incident, in accordance with standard operating procedures. The Department of Justice is also reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The involved trooper has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, as per state police policy.
Authorities have urged members of the public with any information related to the case to contact law enforcement at 302-741-2703 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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