A Cotton man has been charged in connection with the arson of a neighbor's home and an assault on a St. Louis County Sheriff's deputy.
The criminal complaint said 44-year-old Wade R. Johnson faces four charges, including arson, theft of a motor vehicle, damage to property, and assault of a peace officer.
Firefighters and deputies responded to 4956 Comstock Lake Road on Sunday around 1pm. They found a fully engulfed structure.
A second call came in from the same area on Comstock Lake Road, stating that the man who started the fire was having a verbal argument with his parents.
When the first deputy arrived, he said that he found Johnson and Johnson's father sitting at the kitchen table. When the deputy ordered Wade Johnson to stand up and put his hands behind his back, Johnson reportedly reached for a knife on his belt. He then allegedly lunged at the deputy.
The deputy reported using his taser, which had no effect. He then resorted to hitting Johnson with his fist, and then he was able to place Johnson in handcuffs.