May 20, 2025 By Zach Petroff 2 min read

A Lake Lynn man is being held without bail after allegedly trying to burn his grandmother’s porch on Friday after she refused to let him borrow $60, according to a criminal complaint.

State police said Christopher Lee Chipps, 39, asked Fauricentina Chipps for the money to get a motel room in Point Marion. Police said she refused because she believed he would use it to buy drugs. The complaint alleged Christopher Chipps grabbed a five-inch steak knife and threatened to stab his grandmother, his teenage son and another child who were at the home.

According to the complaint, Christopher Chipps then walked outside and set fire to the front porch before stomping it out with his boot.

Police said Chipp’s 17-year-old son told them a physical altercation broke out when Christopher Chipps tried to reenter the house before police arrived at the Lake Lynn residence located on Lake Lynn Road.

Chipps allegedly admitted to police he had started the fire, and there were char marks on the porch and on the foot he used to stomp out the fire. At the scene, police said he was treated for a laceration on his forehead he got from fighting with his son during the incident.

Along with arson, Chipps is also charged with aggravated assault, child engagement, terroristic threats, reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for next month in front of District Judge Daniel C. Shimshock