TOPEKA, Kan. (Sept. 22, 2025) – A Topeka man is behind bars after police say he poured gasoline inside an apartment building and threatened to ignite it, prompting a large emergency response in the 1000 block of NE Wabash Avenue Sunday afternoon.
The suspect, identified as Benjamin Gilbert Brown, 43, was taken into custody by the Topeka Police Department after the apartment complex was evacuated and officers secured the scene. No fire was started and no injuries were reported.
According to booking records, Brown was booked into the Shawnee County Jail at 9:55 p.m. on September 21. He faces multiple felony charges including:
- Aggravated Arson; Substantial Risk to Great Bodily Harm
- Criminal Threat; Causing Terror, Evacuation or Disruption
- Aggravated Assault; Use of a Deadly Weapon
- Interference with Law Enforcement; Resisting or Obstructing Felony Warrant Service
- Criminal Use of Explosives; Introducing to a Building with Another Person Present
Brown is being held without bond.
The Topeka Fire Department, American Medical Response, and Evergy also responded to the scene to assist with the incident.
Authorities have not yet released additional details about the investigation.
