Fort Wayne Man Charged with Arson After Setting Fire Inside Mother's Garage

A 36-year-old Fort Wayne resident has been charged with arson following a fire that damaged his mother's detached garage and adjacent properties. Christopher Peden was due in Allen County court for the May incident, which resulted in damage to two additional properties and two vehicles. Court documents filed in the case have drawn public attention to the details surrounding the fire investigation.

Investigation and Discovery

Investigators from the Fort Wayne Fire Department arrived at the property to examine the detached garage structure, which contained only a small gasoline container for lawn equipment and had no electrical wiring. When fire officials arrived, Peden was not present at the residence, where his mother and brother also lived. Later that day, law enforcement located Peden in downtown Fort Wayne, where he reported being stabbed and required hospital treatment for his injuries.

While receiving medical care, Peden informed police that his earlier account of the stabbing was false and expressed a desire to provide accurate information. According to the probable cause affidavit, Peden admitted to entering the garage around 2 a.m. and confessed to the actions that led to the fire. After leaving the property, the fire burned unattended and subsequently spread to two neighboring properties and damaged two vehicles parked nearby.

Evidence and Charges

Fire investigators collected multiple items as evidence from the garage scene, including a red gasoline container, four BIC lighters, and a kitchen knife. These items were documented in court filings as part of the investigation into the arson charge. Peden's admission to police formed the basis of the criminal complaint filed against him in Allen County Superior Court.