Man Arraigned on Belmont Square Shooting Charges
A Doylestown Borough man faces criminal charges for a shooting last week in the Belmont Square neighborhood that endangered police and neighbors and sent the borough into lockdown.
Christopher Dalrymple, 21, of 51 Belmont Square, was arraigned Thursday on counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied structure, recklessly endangering another person, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.
Dalrymple was remanded to the Bucks County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail set by District Judge Mark D. Douple at 10 percent of $500,000.
The shooting on Nov. 7 triggered a large police response, including mobilization of the Central Bucks Special Response Team.
The Central Bucks Regional Police Department responded just after 3:40 p.m. to Dalrymple’s home after a 911 caller reported hearing gunshots inside the residence. Shooting continued after officers arrived with at least 12 additional shots heard by police.
Dalrymple was seen during the incident pointing a long gun out of a second-story window. He surrendered to police after a standoff that lasted nearly two hours.
Though much of the shooting occurred and was contained inside the residence, several bullets struck a neighbor’s home and a Warrington Township Police patrol vehicle also was struck. No injuries were reported.
“I’m grateful to all law enforcement involved who handled this situation,” said District Attorney Matthew D. Weintraub. “They prevented a possible escalation of this potentially deadly situation and averted injury and loss of life, where both were imminently possible. It’s great to know we can count on our police in times of crisis.”
Among the weapons seized from the home were a 9mm handgun and an AR-style rifle , both of which investigators believe Dalrymple fired during the incident.
Should Dalrymple post bail, he will be required as conditions of his release to turn over any and all weapons, stay away from the Belmont Square neighborhood and reside with relatives in Lansdale unless receiving inpatient treatment.
The case was investigated by the Central Bucks Regional Police Department and the Central Bucks Crime Scene Unit. Deputy District Attorney Thomas C. Gannon is assigned for prosecution.
Contact: James O’Malley, 215.348.6298, jtomalley@buckscounty.org
Criminal charges are allegations subject to proof in court. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Created Nov 14, 2019 @ 4:26 PM
