Florence Man Charged With Unlawful Imprisonment Now Facing Arson Charge

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.

RELATED STORIES

Florence Man Facing Felony Charges For Unlawful Imprisonment

More from Local News


Events

Young Innovators Summit Ignites Future Careers for 130 Local High School Students

Genesis: Pathways to Success hosted the event at the Lawrenceburg Event Center.

Tutoring Grants Now Available for Indiana Students and Families

Eligible families can access $1,000 grants, focused on English/language arts and math.

Local Sports Report - November 12, 2025

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

South Dearborn's Hamlett Commits to USI

D-1 baseball is on the horizon.

Local Sports Report - November 11, 2025

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Priscilla Block - Things You Didn't See

Billy Currington We Are Tonight 3:24
Clay Walker Hypnotize the Moon 3:21
Parmalee Take My Name 3:18
Mark Chesnutt Goin' Thru The Big D 3:15