High-speed chase leads to multiple charges

A Fulton man is facing multiple charges after leading authorities on a two-county vehicle chase Friday night.

In addition to resisting arrest and DWI, Joseph Carignan, 32, is charged with first-degree attempted arson and first-degree domestic assault after leaving gas turned on at a female acquaintance's home.

According to Jefferson City Police Department and Cole County Sheriff's Department, the episode began at a residence in the 3100 block of Kara Street.

Carignan had been involved in a relationship with a female living at this residence. When she ended the relationship, Carignan began making threats he would damage her property and hurt her.

The female got an order of protection against Carignan.

Friday night, officers saw Carignan leave the residence and tried to stop him on suspicion of DWI.

When he failed to do so, a pursuit began going south on Missouri 179 from West Truman Boulevard, traveling at speeds up to 75 mph.

Caringan then went westbound onto Country Club Drive going 40-60 mph, then south on South Country Club Drive at Capital Mall.

City officers terminated their pursuit at the city limits, but sheriff's deputies took up the chase as it Carignan headed westbound on Route C toward Russellville.

Carignan passed into Moniteau County going west on Route C, where speeds reached as high as 100 mph.

After he went through a stop sign on Route C at Missouri 87 near High Point Middle School, he was shortly thereafter stopped and taken into custody.

After Carignan had been taken into custody late Friday, the Jefferson City Fire Department was called to the Kara Street residence for a gas odor.

The woman who rebuffed Carignan told authorities she came home to her residence, opened the front door and was immediately overcome by a strong odor of gas.

The woman said she found all four gas burners were turned on, with the flame extinguished, resulting in natural gas flowing throughout the residence.

The woman also said the furnace had been turned up to 93 degrees in an attempt to ignite the gas. She opened all the windows and front door of the residence to ventilate the home, but 10-15 minutes after doing this, electronic devices still showed measurable amounts of gas and decreased oxygen levels in the home.

During an interview with authorities, Carignan declined to give any formal statement, other than "I want to go back to prison."

He also told authorities that during the pursuit he was looking for a truck to run into.

Carignan has prior arrests and felony convictions for narcotics distribution, second-degree domestic assault and first-degree burglary.