Delaware State Police have arrested 25-year-old James Eaves (Left) of Dover for several felony firearm and theft-related offenses, as well as resisting arrest,
The arrest follows a pursuit of a stolen vehicle that culminated in an officer-involved shooting in Townsend last week. Police said 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 (Right) of Wilmington, a 19-year-old woman from Smyrna, and a 22-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, for offenses related to the incident.
Officials said 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 started, 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 showed 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 police said. 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.
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. Officials said 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 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), and Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony).
He was 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.
Houston was charged with Receiving Stolen Property over $1,500 (Felony), Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony), and Resisting Arrest. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.
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.