OSAGE COUNTY — A Cole County man is facing multiple charges after allegedly threatening to burn down a residence during a domestic dispute and stealing six firearms, according to the Osage County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to a home on High Hill Lane around 6:41 p.m. on Nov. 7 after reports of a domestic disturbance involving a firearm. While en route, they were told that the suspect, identified as Brian M. Kliethermes, had fled the scene on a yellow four-wheeler.

Deputy Dawson Haslag’s probable cause statement says Kliethermes was reportedly “under the influence of a controlled substance and was stealing firearms from the victim.” The victim told deputies Kliethermes was armed, had made threats to burn down the residence, and had become angry and started throwing objects around the home. She said she found the gun safe open and multiple firearms missing after he fled.

Law enforcement from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Gasconade County Sheriff’s Office joined the search effort that evening. Deputies said they were initially unable to locate Kliethermes, despite using K-9 units and aerial support.

At approximately 8:19 a.m. on Nov. 8 troopers found Kliethermes on County Road 612 near Hwy. 63 and took him into custody without incident. He was later transported to the Osage County Detention Center.

According to the report, after being read his Miranda rights, Kliethermes admitted to taking the stolen firearms to Family Pawn, where he said he had placed them on loan. The six guns included a Western Field 12-gauge, New England 3-inch shotgun, .50-caliber muzzleloader, Ruger Model 10-22 carbine, Ruger Model 77, and a Ruger .44 Magnum.

Haslag’s statement also noted concerns about Kliethermes’ release, writing that the victim “believed if Mr. Kliethermes was released from his 24-hour hold, he would return to the residence and harm her as well.”

Kliethermes reportedly admitted to using fentanyl, leading deputies to request that he be held on a no-bond warrant. Haslag wrote, “If he was released from the Osage County Jail, Mr. Kliethermes would have another opportunity to become under the influence again and be unpredictable due to his state.”

Charges have been referred to the Osage County Prosecutor’s Office for domestic assault in the fourth degree and theft of a firearm. Kliethermes was released the morning of Nov. 9, pending formal charges.

The sheriff’s office thanked the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Gasconade County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in locating and arresting Kliethermes.