Davidson County, NC – A Denton man is facing multiple criminal charges after deputies say he barricaded himself inside his home during an attempted warrant service, allegedly ignited a fire inside the residence and threatened law enforcement officers.
According to the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies went to a home in the 100 block of Dot Street in Denton on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, to serve civil process and an arrest warrant for communicating threats to Alexander Gowen, 32.
Authorities said Gowen allegedly refused deputies’ commands to come outside, prompting the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT) and Crisis Negotiations Team to respond. During the standoff, investigators allege Gowen poured a flammable liquid inside the residence and intentionally set the structure on fire while remaining inside with his animals. Officials said the fire extinguished itself shortly after ignition.
After additional tactical measures were used, Gowen exited the residence and was taken into custody without further incident. Deputies also served the outstanding civil process.
According to the sheriff’s office, detectives, the Davidson County Fire Marshal’s Office, Animal Control and crime scene investigators later executed a search warrant at the residence as part of the investigation.
On Thursday, July 9, Gowen was charged with felony burning of a dwelling, two counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals, and one count of communicating threats. A magistrate set his secured bond at $55,000, and he was booked into the Davidson County Jail.
The investigation remains ongoing.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
