EASTHAM – From Eastham Police: Eastham Police are on the scene of a barricaded suspect at a residence in North Sunken Meadow Road. There are multiple police units on scene. There is no threat to the public at this time. Please avoid the area.
Update: CWN has confirmed the situation has been resolved.
Update from Eastham Police: On Friday, June 13, 2025, at approximately 11:50 AM Eastham Police Officer Stephen Brown was conducting traffic enforcement on Route 6 in the area of Kingsbury Beach Road. Officer Brown observed a vehicle traveling towards him at an extremely high rate of speed which was then confirmed by radar at 98mph. Officer Brown recognized the grey Chevrolet pickup truck as owned by Mr. James Souza of Eastham as it passed him. Officer Brown had knowledge that Mr. Souza did not have an active driver’s license due to several previous encounters by the Eastham Police Department with Mr. Souza for operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license. Officer Brown attempted to stop the vehicle by activating his emergency lights. The vehicle turned right onto Salt Pond Road and continued at a high rate of speed. After a short distance, Officer Brown discontinued his pursuit of the vehicle for the safety of the suspect, officers, and bystanders in the area.
A short time later, officers responded to Mr. Souza’s residence to attempt to locate him. Officers located the involved pickup truck in the driveway and requested a tow truck to the scene to seize it. While examining the vehicle, Mr. Souza exited the residence, armed with a knife, and threatened the officers along with the tow truck operators. He then retreated into the residence.
Officers established a perimeter around the residence, contacted Eastham Police Command Staff and the Cape Cod Regional Swat Team, all of which responded to the scene. Eastham Police Officers continued to maintain a perimeter around the residence and were eventually able to communicate with Mr. Souza through an open window. Eastham Police Officers, eventually joined by a CCRLEC Crisis Negotiator, carried on extensive communication with Mr. Souza lasting for almost 2 hours in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. After 2 hours, Mr. Souza exited the residence unarmed and was taken into custody without further incident.
Mr. Souza will be charged with the following charges:
5 counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
Speeding
Operating after Suspension, Subsequent Offense
Failure to stop for Police
Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle
And other motor vehicle related charges
The Orleans and Wellfleet Police Departments, along with the Eastham Fire Department, responded to the scene to assist.
This incident remains under investigation by officers at the Eastham Police Department. Additional charges may be added.
