Joplin man charged with attempted arson, kidnapping after allegedly trying to blow up house

A Joplin man has been charged with attempted arson and kidnapping after a domestic incident allegedly led him to attempt to blow up a house by turning on the gas, according to a probable cause statement filed Wednesday in Jasper County Circuit Court.

Bond has been set at $25,000 surety or $3,000 cash for Christopher Dale Henson (DOB 1991)

The allegations against Henson were detailed in the probable cause statement:

Officers were dispatched to 2517 E Trenton Ave in Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri in reference to Christopher Henson chasing his fiancé of two years, V1, around the yard and breaking windows. 

W1 then observed Mr. Henson pushed V1 into the residence against her will as she was yelling for help.

Officers attempted to make contact at the residence and could hear V1 inside crying. Forced entry was made into the residence where contact was made with V1 and Mr. Henson. V1 exited the residence, and Mr. Henson was lying on the bed with a knife to his throat stating he turned the gas on in the residence. 

As Officers were giving verbal commands to Mr. Henson, he failed to comply. Mr. Henson got off the bed and ran towards the kitchen area. 

At that time, Officers had already passed the threshold of the front door, with both feet inside the doorway. While standing in this position, Officers heard the sound of a stove being ripped from the wall. 

Immediately after, Officers noticed a strong odor of natural gas and could hear the igniter on the stove clicking repeatedly. 

In addition, Mr. Henson was making statements that he was going to blow up the house. 

After Mr. Henson was safely taken into custody; Officer entered the residence to ensure the scene was safe after the gas was shut off. While turning off the stove, Officers observed the electric spark from the igniter actively trying to ignite, and the smell of gas remained strong throughout the area. 

Mr. Henson committed the offence of Arson first degree by turning the gas on in the house and actively trying to ignite the gas while Officers were inside the residence.