Delaware State Police have arrested 25-year-old James Eaves of Dover, Delaware, for several felony firearm and theft-related offenses, as well as resisting arrest, following a pursuit of a stolen vehicle that culminated in an officer-involved shooting in Townsend last week. Eaves also had an outstanding warrant for a pursuit that occurred in New Castle County last month as well as a warrant from Pennsylvania for theft. Detectives also arrested 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, for offenses related to the incident.
On May 9, 2025, at approximately 9:15 p.m., troopers responded to Dupont Highway in Camden for a report of a stolen white Infiniti QX6 traveling in the area. A trooper observed the Infiniti at Walmart, located at 263 Walmart Drive in Camden, and a computer check confirmed the vehicle had been reported stolen within the jurisdiction of New Castle County Police earlier this month. The trooper initiated a traffic stop, but the driver failed to stop. A pursuit ensued, during which the Infiniti traveled at a high rate of speed and in a reckless manner on Dupont Highway. Due to safety concerns for pedestrians and other motorists, the pursuit was terminated in Dover.
A short time later, a trooper saw the Infiniti traveling northbound on Dupont Highway near the Dover Mall and attempted to pull it over. The driver once again disregarded the police signal, and a second pursuit ensued. The Infiniti exited Dupont Highway and traveled northbound on Route 1 as it continued traveling at a high rate of speed and in a reckless manner. The Infiniti then exited Route 1 and entered the city limits of Smyrna, where it collided with another vehicle. Despite the collision, the driver did not stop and continued northbound until the vehicle became disabled north of Fieldsboro Road in Townsend.
The investigation revealed that the encounter unfolded rapidly after the suspects exited the vehicle. The driver, later identified as James Eaves, dropped a firearm onto the roadway as he exited, then picked it up moments later and briefly turned toward the approaching trooper with the weapon in his hand. In response, the trooper drew his department-issued handgun while moving toward Eaves. Eaves then quickly turned away and attempted to run toward a nearby tree line, still armed.
Despite verbal commands to stop and drop the weapon, Eaves did not comply. The trooper discharged his firearm striking him within seconds of this fast-moving, life-threatening armed encounter.
Troopers rendered first aid until emergency medical services arrived. Eaves was transported to an area hospital with critical injuries and is now in stable condition.
The remaining 3 suspects, later identified as Iman Houston, a 19-year-old woman, and a 22-year-old man, were located in a nearby wooded area and taken into custody without incident. They were taken to Troop 3, where Houston was charged with multiple crimes. The 19-year-old woman and the 22-year-old man were each charged with a misdemeanor offense of Resisting Arrest and released on $1,000 unsecured bond. In accordance with Delaware State Police policy, their names are not being released due to the misdemeanor nature of the charges.
Eaves was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and turned over to the custody of Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $138,407 cash bond.
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Possession or Control of Firearm by Person Prohibited Causes Injury or Death of Another Person Within 10 Yrs
of Prior Conviction for Any Violent Felony (Felony) - Resisting Arrest with Force or Violence and Intentionally Fleeing from a Peace Officer (Felony)
- Disregarding a Police Officer’s Signal (Felony)
- Receiving Stolen Property over $1,500 (Felony)
- Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
Houston was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7, and released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.
- Receiving Stolen Property over $1,500 (Felony)
- Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
- Resisting Arrest
Per Delaware State Police standard operating procedures, the involved trooper has been placed on administrative leave pending a use of force investigation in conjunction with the Delaware Department of Justice.
Also, in line with standard operating procedures, the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Sergeant S. Yeich by calling 302-741-2703. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov
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