Man Arrested in Seaford After Domestic Call Leads to Drug and Firearms Discovery

Seaford, DE - On August 2, 2025, at approximately 4:01 a.m., the Sussex County Communications Center (SUSCOM) received an open-line phone call from a mobile device. Dispatchers overheard a conversation between a male and female, during which the female made comments regarding the male brandishing a firearm and threatening to shoot.

Concerned that this could be a deliberate and discreet call reporting a dangerous domestic situation, the call was triangulated to the 300 block of N Market St., in Seaford, Delaware. It was determined that the individuals were in a vehicle at the time of the call.

Upon arrival at the scene, officers observed an occupied vehicle parked in front of the identified residence. A male subject exited the driver's seat as officers approached.

Due to the threat of a firearm being mentioned during the call, officers instructed the individual to show his hands. However, the subject fled on foot, disregarding the officers' commands.

He was apprehended at a neighboring property after resisting arrest. The individual, identified as 54-year-old James Jenkins, was taken into custody. A search of his person revealed a small bag containing a substance suspected to be cocaine.

A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of a loaded Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver, 7.6 grams of methamphetamine, and 2.5 grams of unprescribed buspirone pills.

Additionally, two small baggies containing a total of 2.0 grams of suspected cocaine were found, including one baggie on the ground outside the driver's door.

The firearm was later confirmed as stolen from New Castle City. Further investigation revealed that James Jenkins is a person prohibited from possessing firearms.

The vehicle's female passenger, identified as 39-year-old Mia Purnell, informed officers that she was neither in danger nor aware of why the police were present.

However, it was confirmed that the call had originated from her phone. She was taken into custody for several outstanding capias warrants.

James Jenkins was charged with the following offenses:

• Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony (Felony B)
• Two counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited (Felony D)
• Three counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (Felony D)
• Carrying a concealed deadly weapon (Felony D)
• Receiving a stolen firearm (Felony F)
• Resisting arrest (Misdemeanor A)
• Drug paraphernalia (Misdemeanor B)

Jenkins was remanded to Sussex Correctional Institution on $84,500 secured bail. Mia Purnell was released on unsecured bail following her arrest.

Disclaimer: All individuals mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.