Traffic Stop by DSP Sunday in Leipsic Ended in Arrest for Drugs & Weapons
Image courtesy DSP
A traffic stop by Delaware State Police Sunday morning around 7:45 led to the arrest of 2 people in Leipsic. Police spotted a Tahoe commit multiple traffic violations before making the traffic stop and contacting the driver, identified as 39 year old James Bell of Camden, who showed signs of impairment. A passenger – a 36 year old woman from Bel Air, Maryland who gave police fictitious personal information as well as an unrestrained and improperly seated child. The trooper saw drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle turned up the following:
- A loaded handgunÂ
- Approximately .08 grams of suspected cocaineÂ
- Approximately .09 grams of suspected heroinÂ
- Various drug paraphernalia
A computer search determined Bell has a prior violent felony conviction and is prohibited from possessing firearms. Troopers also learned the firearm was reported stolen through Delaware State Police Troop 7. Bell was arrested and taken to Troop 9 where troopers obtained a search warrant for his blood. He was charged with the below listed offenses:
- 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
- Possession of a Controlled Substance – 2 counts
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Driving Under the Influence of a Combination of Alcohol and Any Drug
- Related Traffic Offenses
Bell was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $57,700 cash bond.
A search of the woman resulted in the discovery of additional drug paraphernalia. She was released after being issued a criminal summons for criminal impersonation and possession of drug paraphernalia.