Indiana man cuts off own penis, then uses the severed member to start a fire in neighbor’s garage

A man from Indiana has been accused of starting a fire in his neighbor’s garage by using his own severed penis as kindling for the flames. You read that right, Christopher Peden allegedly cut off his own private parts before dousing his member in gasoline and using it to set a fire on his neighbor’s property.

Peden, 36, a resident of Fort Wayne initially told cops that he had been stabbed somewhere in the city’s downtown area according to court documents. Sky News reports that Peden didn’t stick with that story for long, as he admitted to officers that he didn’t want to be “dishonest” and instead “wanted to be truthful.”

It’s then that he allegedly admitted that he had harmed himself, with his full insane plan coming to light. According to the court docs, Peden hacked off his own genitals with a kitchen knife. Then he poured gasoline on his severed penis and “set it on fire on the floor of the garage just inside the door.”

Christopher Peden arrested for arson

The man was arrested by police and charged with arson. Meanwhile, investigators went to the garage to collect evidence, finding a red plastic gas container, four lighters and a kitchen knife. Peden’s motivation for the bizarre crime is unclear, perhaps we’ll never know what possessed him to use his own penis to burn his neighbor’s garage.

News of the crime found its way to X where it quickly went viral as people tried to wrap their heads around it. Many simply could not believe what they were reading, “Hold on, what did you say again? He cut off his staff of office & doused it to start a fire?” one incredulous person asked. “There wasn’t another more practical way to start a fire?” another person questioned.

Admittedly, there are plenty of better things to use to start a fire and a severed penis is not one of them. “It would’ve been easier to use paper or cardboard instead.” someone correctly pointed out. 

While there’s very little information regarding the case, people have also speculated regarding the mental state of Peden prior to the incident. Some suggested that the man may have been on drugs while others wondered if he possibly suffered from mental health issues. 

The truth is we simply don’t know what prompted Peden to allegedly start the fire or why he chose to do it the way he did. Nor do we know why he targeted his neighbor’s property with the strange attack. Hopefully the suspected arsonist is able to get the help he needs from the authorities. Christopher Peden is due in court next week.