Delaware State Police have taken a Camden man into custody following a Sunday morning traffic stop in Leipsic that uncovered illegal drugs, a stolen firearm, and evidence of impaired driving with a child in the vehicle.
James Bell, 39, and a 36-year-old female passenger from Bel Air, Maryland, were both arrested after the incident that occurred around 7:45 a.m. on May 3, 2026.
According to police reports, a trooper was conducting patrol duties on Second Street near Denny Street when he observed a Chevrolet Tahoe violating multiple traffic laws. When the officer initiated the traffic stop and made contact with Bell, who was driving, he noticed indicators that suggested the driver was under the influence. The vehicle also contained the Maryland woman as a passenger and a child who was not properly secured.
The situation escalated when the trooper spotted drug-related equipment visible inside the vehicle. Additionally, the female passenger attempted to deceive officers by giving false identification information in what appeared to be an effort to hide her true identity. All individuals were asked to exit the vehicle as Bell continued showing signs of impairment.
When authorities conducted a thorough search of the vehicle, they uncovered several concerning items including a loaded firearm, roughly .08 grams of what is believed to be cocaine, approximately .09 grams of suspected heroin, and multiple pieces of drug paraphernalia.
A personal search of the woman revealed additional drug equipment. Further investigation revealed that Bell has a previous violent felony on his record, which legally prohibits him from owning or possessing firearms. Police also determined that the weapon found in the vehicle had been reported as stolen through Delaware State Police Troop 7.
The Maryland woman was released from custody after receiving a criminal summons for charges related to criminal impersonation and drug paraphernalia possession.
Bell was transported to Troop 9 headquarters where investigators secured a court-ordered warrant to obtain a blood sample. Following his arrest, he appeared before Justice of the Peace Court 7 and was ordered held at Sussex Correctional Institution under a $57,700 cash bond.
The extensive list of charges against Bell includes: 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, two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Under the Influence of a Combination of Alcohol and Any Drug, and various traffic violations.
