Florence Man Charged With Unlawful Imprisonment Now Facing Arson Charge

Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 1:20 PM

Christopher Sawyer was arrested on January 16 after a lengthy standoff with police.

Christopher Sawyer. Photo provided.

(Florence, Ky.) - The Boone County Sheriff’s Office has filed additional charges against a Florence man accused of unlawfully holding a victim and her young daughter in a residence on Lakeview Drive.

Christopher Sawyer, 38, was arrested on January 16 after a lengthy standoff with police. While barricaded inside the home, investigators say Sawyer held the victim at gunpoint and threatened to kill.

He was initially charged with Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree (Class D Felony), two counts of Unlawful Imprisonment 1st Degree (Class D Felony), Terroristic Threatening 3rd Degree (Class A Misdemeanor), and Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon (Class C Felony).

Prior to surrendering, SWAT members on the scene reported heavy smoke and flames coming from the residence. No injuries were reported, and the flames were extinguished quickly by Florence Firefighters.

However, significant damage was caused to the home.

A fire investigation revealed that Sawyer was responsible for the blaze.

Sawyer allegedly admitted to detectives that he was in a bedroom closet with a torch and that is how the fire started, according to a news release from the Boone County Sheriff’s Office.

He is charged with Arson 1st Degree (Class A Felony) and two counts of Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree (Class D Felony).

Bond has been set at $250,000.