Published on March 04, 2021

On February 19, 2021, 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.  Additional evidence was identified, which resulted in arrest and search warrants to be issued for Ashley.  

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.  As a result, Ashley was charged with the additional criminal offenses.

Feb. 19, 2021 incident:

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

Criminal Mischief

March 4th, 2012 Incident:

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 astarrett@middletown.delaware.gov.