LAKE HAVASU CITY — That he intended to commit “suicide by cop” is revealed as the Lake Havasu City police department provides more details of a church arson incident. The church building on the Calvary Baptist Smoketree Avenue campus sustained more water and smoke damage than structural harm in the November 30 fire.
Keith Gensamer, 49, was arrested more than 13 hours after police responded at 1:30 a.m. to a burglary and fire alarm alert.
“Investigation confirmed that Gensamer forced entry into the building and poured gasoline throughout a portion of the interior before igniting it,” said sergeant and public information officer Kyle Ridgway. “The incident does not appear to have been a targeted attack on the specific church or group of religious faith, and investigators found no evidence that Gensamer was affiliated with any hate group.”
Gensamer reportedly told investigators his intent was to provoke a police response that would result in his death, but that he became frightened and fled instead. “He also reported that he was seeking a way to draw attention to personal issues,” Ridgway said.
Gensamer is initially charged with engaging in an act of terrorism, misconduct involving weapons, arson, burglary and aggravated criminal damage to a religious structure.
