A Marion County man has been charged with first-degree domestic battery and attempted second-degree murder following an alleged knife attack and attempted arson during a domestic dispute, according to court records.40-year-old Christopher Robert Collier was taken into custody Jan. 11 after an adult female reported to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office that Collier stabbed her with a knife and poured gasoline on her in an attempt to set her on fire at his residence on State Highway 14.
According to an affidavit, the victim told deputies the incident occurred during an argument inside a camping trailer at Collier’s residence. She reported Collier attempted to stab her in the neck with a large kitchen knife, but she blocked the attack with her arm, suffering a deep cut to her left forearm.
Investigators said the victim reported Collier then poured gasoline on her from a gas can and attempted to ignite it with a lighter, but was unable to do so. She was able to flee the residence and seek help.
The victim was treated at an area hospital, where she required 11 staples to close the wound to her forearm. Her clothing was seized as evidence and was noted to have an odor consistent with gasoline, according to the affidavit.
Deputies later served a search warrant at Collier’s residence, where investigators reported finding a red gas can and a lighter near areas of blood inside the trailer. A knife with suspected blood on it was also recovered, along with blood found on bedding and the floor, which investigators said was consistent with the victim’s account.
Collier is charged with first-degree domestic battery and criminal attempt to commit second-degree murder, both Class B felonies. Bond has been set at $250,000.
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