GASTONIA, N.C. — A Gaston County man has been arrested after setting his mobile home and vehicle on fire, and leading police on a chase early Thursday morning.
Christopher Brannon Watkins, 26, has been charged with Fraudulent Burning of a Dwelling Home, Burning Personal Proeprty, and Felony Flee to Elude.
Christopher Brannon Watkins
Gastonia Police were called to a fire at 110 Landau Circle Wednesday evening and were told that Watkins set the home on fire after a domestic dispute.
No one was in the residence at the time of the fire. Watkins’ spouse took the children and left the home prior to the fire.
Watkins fled the scene before police arrived.
Police located Watkins’ vehicle in Gaston County early Thursday morning. After Watkins refused to stop the vehicle, a pursuit ensued.
Watkins eventually stopped on Bessemer City Road near Myrtle avenue in Gastonia and poured gasoline on himself in an attempt to set himself and the vehicle on fire during his surrender.
The car caught on fire but police were able to secure Watkins before he was injured.
