DELAWARE - A police chase in a reported stolen car started in Camden and ended in New Castle County with an officer-involved shooting.
Delaware State Police say they tried to stop a car near the Camden Walmart around 9 p.m. Friday, but it did not stop. They say the chase was called off in Dover for safety reasons.
Troopers say the car was spotted a short time later and another high-speed chase began. The car hit another vehicle in Smyrna and continued on before breaking down on Dupont Highway near Fieldsboro Road near Townsend, according to state police. Four people inside the car reportedly ran.
Authorities say the driver was seen with a gun and did not drop the weapon when given verbal commands by a trooper. Officials say the trooper fired, critically injuring the 25-year-old Dover man. He was taken to a nearby hospital for his injuries.
The three passengers were found in a nearby wooded area and arrested.
On May 14, police identified James Eaves, 25, of Dover, as the suspect who had been shot. Eaves is currently in stable condition and has been charged with the following:
-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)
-Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
Eaves was taken to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $138,407 cash bond.
18-year-old Iman Houston, of Wilmington, as well as a 19-year-old woman from Smyrna, and a 22-year-old Wilmington man were also arrested in connection to the incident.
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.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Sergeant S. Yeich by calling 302-741-2703. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
