A late-night disturbance that began outside a popular steakhouse escalated into a violent confrontation aboard a SEPTA bus, resulting in injuries to two Horsham Township police officers and the arrest of a man now facing multiple charges.
According to police, the incident unfolded on Wednesday, April 8, around 10:36 p.m. near the Na Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse, located at 680 Easton Road in Horsham Township.
Horsham Township Police Department was dispatched to reports of a disturbance across from the steakhouse. While responding, dispatchers updated officers that the situation had escalated and moved onto a nearby SEPTA bus, identified as Bus #4730, which had pulled over in the area.
Inside the bus, officers encountered the individual involved, identified as Christopher Dickenson, 37, of Philadelphia. According to the bus operator, Dickenson was a frequent rider who allegedly did not pay fare, smoked onboard, and appeared intoxicated.
Police say Dickenson was repeatedly instructed, approximately 15 to 20 times, to exit the bus after being identified as trespassing. Officers warned he would be arrested if he failed to comply.
When officers moved in to detain him, police say Dickenson suddenly became violent, striking one officer multiple times in the head and mouth with closed fists.
As officers attempted to restrain him, Dickenson then allegedly struck another officer repeatedly in the face. A physical struggle followed involving three officers and the use of multiple Taser deployments before Dickenson was finally taken into custody.
Both officers sustained injuries. One officer suffered a minor head injury, while another sustained a facial laceration extending from below the eye to the jawline. Both were treated on scene by Horsham EMS and declined hospital transport.
Following the arrest, police conducted a search and reported finding two small glass containers containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana in Dickenson’s pocket. Officers also located an open alcoholic beverage can near his belongings.
During the struggle, officers also reported that Dickenson was holding a folding knife, which they were forced to pry from his hand.
At the police station, Dickenson allegedly denied that the Taser had made contact with him. He also declined medical treatment despite officers noting he was wearing multiple layers of clothing at the time of arrest.
Dickenson was unable to post bail, which was set at $300,000.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 21, 1:45 p.m. before Judge Todd Stephens.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
