Florence Man Facing Felony Charges For Unlawful Imprisonment

Christopher Sawyer was arrested after a seven-hour standoff with police on Saturday.

Shutterstock photo.

(Florence, Ky.) – A Florence man is facing multiple felony charges after a standoff with police. 

On Saturday, Boone County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 200 block of Lakeview Drive for a reported person refusing to leave.

The situation came to a head when the person barricaded himself inside the residence. Deputies learned that Christopher A. Sawyer, 38, unlawfully held a victim and her young daughter in the residence for nearly six hours.

During that time, Sawyer allegedly held the victim at gunpoint and threatened to kill.

According to a news release, Sawyer eventually became distracted which allowed the victim and her daughter to escape and dial 911.

After a seven-hour standoff, Sawyer surrendered to SWAT. Just before his surrender, SWAT reported heavy smoke and flames coming from the residence.

The Florence Fire Department was already staged in the area and was able to quickly extinguish the fire. The cause remains under investigation.

Sawyer was arrested but is being treated for possible smoke inhalation. He will be lodged in the Boone County Detention Center upon his release from the hospital.

He is 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).  

More from Local News


Events

Traffic Impacts Begin Friday on I-71 Southbound in Carroll County

This is due to an ongoing maintenance repair project.

Brookville Town Council Vacancy Filled

A caucus was held this week to fill the vacancy left by Bridget Hayes.

Switz. Co. Off to 4-0 Start for 2nd Time in Program History; Play #1 ND Friday

See Week 4 top performers from the Mid-Indiana Football Conference.

Local Sports Report - September 17, 2025

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Local Sports Report - September 16, 2025

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

On Air

Chelsie playing
Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton - A Song to Sing

Tracy Lawrence How A Cowgirl Says Goodbye 6:25
Thomas Rhett and Riley Green Half of Me 6:22
Trisha Yearwood Wrong Side Of Memphis 6:16
Chris Young and Vince Gill Sober Saturday Night 6:13