By ZR Reporter
A 36-year-old man from Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been charged with arson following a bizarre incident that investigators say ended with his mother’s garage being set ablaze.
The suspect, Christopher Peden, is accused of severely injuring himself before allegedly using part of his severed genitalia, which police say had been soaked in gasoline, to ignite the fire.
The investigation began after Peden contacted authorities claiming he had been stabbed in downtown Fort Wayne.
Police say the report quickly raised questions, and as officers continued their inquiries, they concluded that the alleged stabbing had never taken place.
According to investigators, Peden later admitted while receiving treatment in hospital that he had fabricated the story. He also allegedly confessed to setting the fire at his mother’s property.
Detectives who examined the scene recovered a kitchen knife, a gasoline container and four lighters, all of which have been taken in as evidence.
Authorities have not disclosed what may have led to the incident, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Peden is expected to appear before an Allen County court on Monday to answer the arson charge.
© Zambia Reports | July 2026
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