Pelham, NH – Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald, New Hampshire State Police Colonel Christopher Wagner, and Pelham Police Chief Joseph A. Roark announce that Dale Halloway (age 37) has been arrested for First-Degree Assault on Bishop Stanley Choate (age 75) in Pelham, New Hampshire.

Around 10:12am this morning, Saturday, October 12, 2019, Pelham police officers responded to a reported shooting at the New England Pentecostal Church at 955 Bridge Street in Pelham. A 9-1-1 call was made from the church in which a wedding service was taking place. The caller reported that a man came in and shot at the presiding bishop. Within moments, nearby officers were on scene and immediately entered the church. Upon arrival, officers discovered Bishop Choate suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper chest. Officers also discovered a number of parishioners pinning Dale Halloway down on the ground.

Bishop Choate is currently receiving treatment at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. He is listed in serious condition.

In addition to Bishop Choate, two other parishioners suffered injuries. Claire McMullen, age 60, suffered a gunshot wound to the arm. She is being treated at a local hospital and is in good condition. Mark Castiglione, age 60, was struck in the head with an object. He has been treated at a local hospital and released.

At this time, Mr. Halloway has been arrested on alternative counts of purposely and knowingly causing bodily injury by means of a deadly weapon by shooting Bishop Choate in the chest.

Mr. Halloway is being held awaiting arraignment. His arraignment is anticipated to be scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. in Hillsborough County Superior Court – Southern District in Nashua.

The New Hampshire State Police and Pelham Police Department are continuing to investigate this crime. Preliminary investigation of the matter indicates that this incident does not appear to be a random event. Anyone with information is encouraged the Sergeant Kelly Healey at the New Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit at the following phone number: 603-MCU-TIPS (603-628-8477).

Furthermore, church services scheduled for Sunday October 13, 2019 at the church have been cancelled. Crisis counselors will be available tomorrow for anyone in the Pelham community or the New England Pentecostal Church community at Sherburne Hall community center tomorrow from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Anyone who would talk one-on-one with a counselor is encouraged to attend.

The charges and allegations are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.