safety
Man accused of cutting off his genitals, using them to start a fire, authorities say
By Corryn Brock, Akim Powell at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· July 8, 2026
· 1 min read
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA/Gray News) - A man in Indiana is accused of cutting off his genitals and using them to start a fire, according to authoritiesChristopher Peden is charged with one count of arson, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to 12 years.Fort Wayne firefighters were dispat...
Key takeaway Fort Wayne firefighters were dispatched to a garage fire in May, while at the same time, authorities were called to reports of a stabbing.
Why this matters in The Midland
The disturbing incident in Indiana has no direct connection to Midland , but it raises concerns about the availability of mental health resources in our own community. As authorities in Fort Wayne investigate the motivations behind Christopher Peden's actions, locals may wonder what support systems are in place for individuals struggling with similar issues in the Permian Basin. The fact that Peden allegedly felt compelled to harm himself and then start a fire using his dismembered genitals suggests a deep-seated psychological distress that may have been addressed with proper intervention. Midland residents should be aware of the local resources available for those struggling with mental health issues, such as counseling services and crisis hotlines, and consider advocating for increased funding and support for these initiatives to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in our own backyard.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA/Gray News) - A man in Indiana is accused of cutting off his genitals and using them to start a fire, according to authoritiesChristopher Peden is charged with one count of arson, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to 12 years.Fort Wayne firefighters were dispat...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Corryn Brock, Akim Powell at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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