Man accused of shooting into Dayton house over $20 debt, causing SWAT standoff

ajc.com

A Dayton man is facing charges after he reportedly shot a neighbor’s house over a $20 debt late Tuesday evening, leading to a standoff with SWAT.

Camron Belton, 19, was charged with one count each of felonious assault, aggravated burglary and improper discharge of a firearm, according to Dayton Municipal Court records.

Dayton police were called just before 9 p.m. to the first block of South Trenton Street on a report of a shooting, Sgt. Gordon Cairns said.

On investigation, police found that a man had come to the house over a $20 debt, broke windows and fired gunshots into the house, hitting one of the occupants.

The victim told police Belton stuck his head and body through the broken window and threatened to kill him, according to an affidavit filed in municipal court.

Belton stepped back and then the victim reportedly heard gunshots coming through the front door.

“(The man) said he felt a ‘burning’ sensation in his back and believed he was shot by Belton,” an affidavit read.

Camron Eugene Belton. Photo courtesy Miami Valley Jails.

icon to expand image

Cairns said it was fortunate the gunshot wound was a minor injury.

Police received a description, identity and address of the suspect, who lived in an apartment a few doors down, Cairns said. Officers and SWAT went to the apartment and attempted to call out the man using loudspeakers and sirens, but he didn’t respond, the sergeant said.

Family members in the apartment came out and confirmed that the suspect was inside, Cairns said.

Belton surrendered a few hours later once law enforcement received an arrest warrant and fired pepper balls inside the apartment.

There were no injuries in the standoff.

“This is a person who for whatever reason decided to use violence to settle this debt, to settle this problem, and ultimately it led to, again, a lot of police resources, it led to potentially a person dying, who could have died from senseless violence,” Cairns said.