Stand-off in Buna ends after suspect douses himself and his house in gasoline and lights house on fire-only minor injury reported

34-year-old Charles Benjamin Franklin IV of Buna

On June 3rd of this year, a Buna man allegedly poured gasoline on his girlfriend and threatened to light her on fire. The victim reported the incident after it happened, and a warrant was secured for the man's arrest at that time. Unfortunately he was not located until this afternoon.

Today at approximately 4:00 p.m., Jasper County Sheriff’s Deputies were sent to 34523 South Hwy 96 in Buna to serve the Aggravated Assault warrant on 34-year-old Charles Benjamin Franklin IV of Buna.

Not long after deputies arrived, Franklin barricaded himself inside the mobile home. He then poured gasoline on himself and inside the home.

Law enforcement attempted negotiations, but Franklin continued to be "irrational and hostile". Negotiations eventually deteriorated.

Eventually Deputies and State Troopers made entry, but when they did, Franklin ignited the living room. The Buna Volunteer Fire Department was able to quickly extinguish the blaze and Franklin was taken into custody.

Franklin only received a minor cut to his forehead and was treated at the scene. No one else received any injuries.

Additional charges are pending. Franklin was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

As always, Franklin is considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard would like to thank the various law-enforcement agencies who assisted JCSO along with the Buna Volunteer Fire Department.

Havard added, "We are very thankful that none of our law-enforcement, first responders or the suspect sustained any significant injuries."