IRVINE, Ky. (LEX 18) — An Irvine firefighter is facing several serious charges including theft by deception, official misconduct, wanton endangerment and terroristic threatening.
According to an arrest citation, Christopher Chad Neal arranged to purchase a vehicle for the Irvine Fire Department. Police say Neal purchased an official government vehicle for the state of Maryland and proceeded to title it as his personal vehicle.
Neal told the victim that the vehicle was to be owned and used by the City of Irvine Fire Department. The victim told investigators that the vehicle contained emergency equipment and would have never been sold to an individual for personal use.
Neal was also charged in a separate incident in which police say he sold sets of emergency lights intended for vehicles belonging to the City of Irvine to two separate individuals without the authorization or knowledge of the City of Irvine. The estimated value of lights were estimated to be more than $500 and less than $10,000.
On a separate occasion, Neal also allegedly brandished a loaded firearm into the face of a victim, threatening the victim if the victim were to speak.
So far, Neal is facing charges of theft by deception, first-degree official misconduct, first-degree wanton endangerment, and third-degree terroristic threatening.
The mayor of Irvine tells LEX 18 that Neal has been suspended from all duties.
