SWAT Teams Arrest Newark Man Thursday In Middletown Shooting Incident

Middletown Police have arrested a Newark man February shooting.

Officials said on February 19, 2021, at 9:39 pm, the Middletown Police Department (MPD) responded to Naughty Lane and Vincent Circle in reference to a shooting in progress.

Following this incident, the MPD Criminal Investigations Unit assumed the investigation. During the course of the investigation, James Ashley was developed as a suspect in the shooting, according to police. Additional evidence was obtained, which led to Ashley being charged with 2 Counts of Reckless Endangering 1st Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, and Criminal Mischief.

On March 4, 2021, with the assistance of the New Castle County Police Department SWAT Team, a search warrant was served at Ashley’s residence in the unit block of Archer Circle in Newark, Delaware. During this search warrant, Ashley was taken into custody on his active arrest warrant.

In addition, a search of the residence by MPD officers located two firearms, ammunition, and marijuana inside the residence, police said Thursday. As a result, Ashley was charged with the additional criminal offenses:

Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
2 counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited.

If you have any additional information regarding the incident from February 19, 2021, please contact Det. Adam Starrett at 302-696-2574 or via email at [email protected].

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