A traffic stop in Leipsic early Sunday morning led to the arrest of a Camden man on multiple felony drug and weapon charges after Delaware State Police said troopers discovered a stolen loaded handgun, suspected narcotics, and an improperly restrained child inside the vehicle.
According to police, the incident occurred on May 3, 2026, at approximately 7:45 a.m., when a trooper on patrol observed a Chevrolet Tahoe committing multiple traffic violations near Second Street and Denny Street in Leipsic. Troopers identified the driver as 39-year-old James Bell of Camden, Delaware, who police said showed signs of impairment during the stop.
Investigators said a 36-year-old woman from Bel Air, Maryland, and a child who was unrestrained and improperly seated were also inside the SUV. During the encounter, troopers reportedly observed drug paraphernalia in plain view inside the vehicle. Police said the woman initially provided fictitious information in an attempt to conceal her identity.
All occupants were removed from the Tahoe while troopers continued their investigation. Police said Bell continued to display signs of impairment, leading to further investigation and a subsequent search of the vehicle.
Troopers recovered a loaded handgun, approximately .08 grams of suspected cocaine, approximately .09 grams of suspected heroin, and various items of drug paraphernalia, according to authorities. Police said additional drug paraphernalia was also found during a search of the female passenger.
Investigators later determined Bell is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior violent felony conviction. Troopers also learned the recovered firearm had been reported stolen through Delaware State Police Troop 7.
The woman was released after being issued criminal summonses for criminal impersonation and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Bell was taken to Delaware State Police Troop 9, where troopers obtained a search warrant for his blood. He was charged with multiple offenses, including possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, receiving a stolen firearm, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, possession of a firearm while under the influence, endangering the welfare of a child while driving under the influence, drug possession charges, and related traffic offenses.
Bell was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $57,700 cash bond.
