UNION, Mo. (TCN) — A man has been charged with burglary, assault, and domestic assault after police allege he attacked his girlfriend and another person with a flamethrower he’d fashioned from a fire extinguisher.
According to a probable cause statement from the Franklin County Police Department obtained by KTVI, 32-year-old Christopher M. Viehland allegedly attacked his ex-girlfriend and a man on June 13. He allegedly had a device fashioned from a fire extinguisher and a flashlight that had “flame thrower” written on the outside. A metal pipe had been taped to the extinguisher’s hose and there was a rag stuffed in it. Investigators believe it was about a quarter full of gasoline at the time but were unable to confirm if it actually functioned as a flamethrower.
KTVI reports that Viehland used the device to spray gasoline on his ex before hitting the man with a flashlight. The male victim and Viehland got into a physical altercation during which the victim allegedly sustained bites to his stomach. During the fight, Viehland’s ex escaped and called the authorities from a business nearby. He had left by the time police arrived but had not taken his makeshift flamethrower with him.
KMOV reports Viehland was arrested that day, but he denied any involvement. According to court records obtained by the outlet, he has a criminal history including charges for domestic assault.
Viehland was charged with burglary, assault, and domestic assault. KTVI reports that more charges could be forthcoming if it is determined the device actually worked as a flamethrower. He is scheduled to appear in court again on June 22 for a bond hearing and is behind held without bond.
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