A 36-year-old Indiana man has been charged after allegedly cutting off his private body part, dousing it with gasoline and setting it on fire inside a neighbour's garage, authorities said.
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According to court documents, Christopher Peden, of Fort Wayne, admitted to injuring himself during the incident on May 6 after initially telling police he had been stabbed elsewhere in the city, as reported by NY Post.
Investigators said Peden used a kitchen knife to sever his genitals inside the garage before pouring gasoline over the severed body part and igniting it near the entrance, allegedly starting the fire. The incident is being investigated as arson.
Police later encountered Peden, who claimed he had been attacked in downtown Fort Wayne. However, during questioning, he admitted the account was false and told investigators he wanted to "be truthful," according to court records cited by local broadcaster FOX 59.
Police recovered several items from the garage, including a red gasoline container, four lighters and a kitchen knife, as part of the investigation.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive behind the incident. The case remains under investigation while Peden is due in court next week.
