INSIDER
Man arrested on roof of post office in connection with string of overnight arsons, SAPD says
Read full article: Man arrested on roof of post office in connection with string of overnight arsons, SAPD saysA 20-year-old man was taken into custody overnight in connection with a string of arsons and possible robbery, according to San Antonio police.
Local couple accused of abusing, endangering children; 1 child died
Read full article: Local couple accused of abusing, endangering children; 1 child diedLuis Ubaldo Olivo, 41, and Lisa Olivo, 26, both were arrested Monday on child endangerment charges. Lisa Olivo is accused of failing to give her 20 old daughter seizure medication. That child died.
Medina County Sheriff’s Office arrests 2 arson suspects in connection with multiple Aug. 2022 grass fires
Read full article: Medina County Sheriff’s Office arrests 2 arson suspects in connection with multiple Aug. 2022 grass firesTwo years after multiple fires sparked across Medina County, two arrests were made Friday in connection with the case.
Suspicious car fires at auto repair shop set off sparks, popping noises, witness says
Read full article: Suspicious car fires at auto repair shop set off sparks, popping noises, witness saysSomeone intentionally vandalized seven cars in the parking lot of AAMCO Transmission, also setting fire to some of them.
Motorized mobility chair sparked house fire that killed man, arson investigators say
Read full article: Motorized mobility chair sparked house fire that killed man, arson investigators sayA man who used a mobility chair to get around died as a result of a fire in his home. Arson investigators now believe that chair is what caused the fire.
‘We will rebuild’: Local pastor responds to fire that heavily damaged church
Read full article: ‘We will rebuild’: Local pastor responds to fire that heavily damaged churchA fire that started on the outside of New Testament Missionary Baptist Church caused heavy damage inside the building. Arson investigators are trying to determine how it started.
Man arrested for brutally murdering next-door neighbor and burning body, police say
Read full article: Man arrested for brutally murdering next-door neighbor and burning body, police sayA man has been arrested after brutally murdering his next-door neighbor and burning the body, San Antonio police say. 39-year-old Baltazar Castaneda is being charged with murder, according to police documents.
SAFD: Man barricaded himself inside vacant building after setting fire to it
Read full article: SAFD: Man barricaded himself inside vacant building after setting fire to itSan Antonio firefighters, responding to a fire in a vacant building, say they found a man inside, actively setting several fires. They had to call in SAPD officers for help in getting him out of the building.
Woman arrested for arson, accused of lighting fires at cousin’s home in dispute over man
Read full article: Woman arrested for arson, accused of lighting fires at cousin’s home in dispute over manShane Benton, 32, is charged with arson of a habitation/place of assembly for an incident in April of 2021.
SAWS investigating problems with low water pressure that hampered firefighters
Read full article: SAWS investigating problems with low water pressure that hampered firefightersFire crews say they had to rely on water already on their trucks when they were battling a raging house fire Monday morning. They say the water pressure of the nearby fire hydrants was too low for them to use.
Firefighters believe someone started ‘frustrating’ fire inside vacant building
Read full article: Firefighters believe someone started ‘frustrating’ fire inside vacant buildingLike many fires this year, this one involved an abandoned building that was supposed to be vacant. Firefighters believe, instead, someone was living inside it and started the fire.
Neighbor says it was his ‘mission’ to catch suspect in torching of 5 homes
Read full article: Neighbor says it was his ‘mission’ to catch suspect in torching of 5 homesRoland Ramirez, 35, is accused of setting three separate fires that destroyed four homes and an apartment building. A neighbor says he helped police track him down.
Another day, another fire in a vacant building; part of an ongoing problem in San Antonio
Read full article: Another day, another fire in a vacant building; part of an ongoing problem in San AntonioFirefighters say they found evidence that someone had gotten inside a credit union building that should have been vacant. The building somehow caught fire Wednesday morning.
1 person in custody, arson investigators called in Northeast Side fire, SAFD says
Read full article: 1 person in custody, arson investigators called in Northeast Side fire, SAFD saysA person of interest was taken into custody after an overnight house fire on the city’s Northeast Side, according to the San Antonio Fire Department.
SAPD, arson investigators search for suspect in multi-structure fire that spread on West Side
Read full article: SAPD, arson investigators search for suspect in multi-structure fire that spread on West SideAuthorities are searching for the person responsible for setting three fires that damaged five structures on the city’s West Side.
Suspect arrested after killing 2 women in Atascosa County, setting fire to crime scene, sheriff says
Read full article: Suspect arrested after killing 2 women in Atascosa County, setting fire to crime scene, sheriff saysA 27-year-old man is behind bars after a double homicide involving a pair of roommates, which was followed by an intentional fire, according to the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Woman arrested for setting fire to monument for human trafficking victims on Quintana Road
Read full article: Woman arrested for setting fire to monument for human trafficking victims on Quintana RoadA 44-year-old woman was arrested Wednesday for setting fire to a monument that was erected in honor of the 53 victims who died in a human smuggling incident over the summer, San Antonio Fire Department Arson Bureau Lt. Noe Saldana said.
Strip club security guard who shot man was victim of man’s overnight crime spree, police say
Read full article: Strip club security guard who shot man was victim of man’s overnight crime spree, police sayA security guard who shot a man outside a North side strip club says that man was trying to rob him and someone else.
Man arrested after setting apartment building ablaze after being evicted, SAPD says
Read full article: Man arrested after setting apartment building ablaze after being evicted, SAPD saysA man was arrested after San Antonio police said he torched his apartment building after being evicted. The fire led to many other residents being displaced.
Do you recognize them? SAPD searching for two arson suspects accused of starting fire near downtown
Read full article: Do you recognize them? SAPD searching for two arson suspects accused of starting fire near downtownSan Antonio police and Crime Stoppers are searching for a man and woman connected to an arson investigation.
Authorities search for suspects after dozens of arson cases opened in multiple local counties
Read full article: Authorities search for suspects after dozens of arson cases opened in multiple local countiesMultiple law enforcement agencies are joining forces after a series of fires continue throughout Bexar and Medina counties, with arson suspects still on the run.
‘This is unprecedented’: Arsonists responsible for 42 fires in about 3 months time, Atascosa County Sheriff says
Read full article: ‘This is unprecedented’: Arsonists responsible for 42 fires in about 3 months time, Atascosa County Sheriff saysForty-two fires occurred between April 21 and July 26 and stretch across a 25-mile radius around the county. The majority are just grass and brush fires, but a handful have been by homes and structures.
Filmmaker hopes documentary on deadly fire will bring delayed justice, closure
Read full article: Filmmaker hopes documentary on deadly fire will bring delayed justice, closureA deadly fire in San Marcos four years ago is still unsolved. A filmmaker and the brother of one of the five victims killed is hoping his documentary will raise awareness and tips that will lead to an arrest.
SAFD Arson Bureau make arrests in two recent East Side fires
Read full article: SAFD Arson Bureau make arrests in two recent East Side firesKathryn Bassignana, 34, is accused of setting several small fires inside an abandoned warehouse known as the Friedrich Building on E. Commerce while Cruz Rivas, 37, is accused of setting fire to an abandoned home at 901 E. Crocket St.
San Antonio man sentenced to six years in prison for setting fire to Austin political office
Read full article: San Antonio man sentenced to six years in prison for setting fire to Austin political officeA San Antonio man who pleaded guilty to setting fire to a political party office in Austin will spend six years in prison for the crime.
Universal City firefighter’s camera shows crews battling arson fire that led to teen’s arrest
Read full article: Universal City firefighter’s camera shows crews battling arson fire that led to teen’s arrestA joint investigation by Universal City Police and Fire investigators lead to the arrest of two teenagers connected to a series of vandalism and arson cases at a home under construction.
String of fires at under construction properties keeping East Side residents on high alert
Read full article: String of fires at under construction properties keeping East Side residents on high alertSan Antonio Fire crews are investigating a series of fires in properties under construction in an around the Dignowity Hill community.
SA teen arrested after confessing to lighting fire, stealing property on social media, police say
Read full article: SA teen arrested after confessing to lighting fire, stealing property on social media, police sayA San Antonio teen is charged with arson after he allegedly broke into a home, set a box on fire, stole property and confessed to the crime on social media, according to San Antonio police.
Man charged with arson after throwing molotov cocktail into window of group home
Read full article: Man charged with arson after throwing molotov cocktail into window of group homeA 23-year-old man is facing charges after he allegedly sparked a fire by throwing a molotov cocktail inside a group home.
Bexar County fire marshal Labrador specializes in arson investigations, detection of accelerants
Read full article: Bexar County fire marshal Labrador specializes in arson investigations, detection of accelerantsThe Bexar County Fire Marshal’s Office recently unveiled a new vehicle to help keep it’s special K-9 Labrador named “Roe” safe during the Texas summer heat.
Have you seen this person? SAPD seeks arsonist who used Molotov cocktail to set vehicle on fire
Read full article: Have you seen this person? SAPD seeks arsonist who used Molotov cocktail to set vehicle on fireSan Antonio police need the public’s help in identifying and locating anyone involved in an arson case at Islas Automotive on the West Side.
Recognize them? Police, Crime Stoppers seek suspects in Northeast Side arson case
Read full article: Recognize them? Police, Crime Stoppers seek suspects in Northeast Side arson caseSan Antonio police and Crime Stoppers are trying to identify two men who attempted to burn down a building on the city’s Northeast Side.
Man thrown out of North Side bar after altercation accused of returning, setting place on fire, police say
Read full article: Man thrown out of North Side bar after altercation accused of returning, setting place on fire, police sayVictor Lewis, 29, has been charged with arson, according to records with the Bexar County Jail. According to an arrest affidavit, the incident started around 1:30 a.m. when Lewis and other customers got into an argument. A bartender attempted to settle the altercation, but Lewis “would not calm down” and was escorted outside, police said. AdIn the hours after the altercation, a fire was set to the entry doorway and the surrounding walls of the structure. AdThe Main Street Bar on Feb. 21 posted on Facebook that they needed to make some repairs but were open that day.
Arson suspected in fire that killed dog on San Antonio’s West Side
Read full article: Arson suspected in fire that killed dog on San Antonio’s West SideSAN ANTONIO – A dog died in a house fire on the city’s West Side that officials suspect was intentionally set, San Antonio firefighters said. The fire broke out shortly after 12 a.m. Thursday at a home in the 600 block of South San Joaquin. Firefighters said a man and woman had been arguing shortly before the back side of the home went up in flames. The fire caused heavy damage to the back portion of the house, causing the siding to practically melt away. The woman was not hurt but a dog did not make it out of the home alive, firefighters said.
Wimberley man arrested after setting fire to three vehicles, officials say
Read full article: Wimberley man arrested after setting fire to three vehicles, officials sayWIMBERLY, Texas – A Wimberley man has been arrested and charged with three counts of Felony 2 Arson after setting fire to three vehicles, Hays County officials say. Kirill O. Belchenko, 32, was arrested and booked into the Hays County jail on Sept. 21, following an investigation by the Hays County Fire Marshal and Hays County Sheriff’s Office. Fire Marshal Nathan Mendenhall said the vehicle arson occurred in the 3400 block of Ranch Road 32 on Sept. 21. In a statement, Mendenhall said Belchenko set fire to three of his uncles’ vehicles and also claimed that he placed a pipe bomb on the property. Additionally, Belchenko told fire and law enforcement investigators that he set fire to a utility pole on the property.
Juvenile arrested in connection with woman’s death, arson in Hays County
Read full article: Juvenile arrested in connection with woman’s death, arson in Hays CountyBUDA, Texas – A juvenile was arrested in connection with an arson and murder of a Buda woman, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office said. Officials said the suspect was detained on a “directive to apprehend warrant for murder” and taken to a juvenile detention center. According to HCSO, the body of Janie Rebecca Loredo Zapata, 48, was found at the scene of a fire on May 15 in the 400 block of West Overlook Mountain in Buda. Deputies had responded to the location to assist the Hays County Fire Marshal with the investigation. Related: San Antonio police seek arson suspect who set fire to sign at Northwest Side grocery store
Arson investigation underway after vacant building goes up in flames on the North Side, firefighters say
Read full article: Arson investigation underway after vacant building goes up in flames on the North Side, firefighters saySAN ANTONIO An arson investigation is underway after a vacant building went up in flames on the North Side, according to San Antonio Fire Department. Witness Margo Solomon said she saw smoke and flames coming from the building when the fire started and thought someone may be stuck inside. The fire department arrived in just minutes and by the time of their arrival, the entire building was on fire. Although the building is vacant, firefighters said the homeless make use of the property regularly. RELATED: Considerable amount of chickens killed in shed fire on Southeast Side, firefighters say
Judge denies bond reduction in arson case, cites governor’s executive order
Read full article: Judge denies bond reduction in arson case, cites governor’s executive orderFollowing her release from the hospital for treatment of burns over 25% of her body, Salinas was arrested on arson charges and jailed in lieu of $75,000 bond. ‘You want to f*** with me’: Woman accused of torching man’s car before they both caught fireOn Thursday, Salinas’ lawyer, Angela Tavares, asked that her client be released on a personal recognizance bond. He also told the court that his mother’s ex-boyfriend, Alejandro Megana, told him that the fire was an accident. “I cannot get the adequate medicine for my pain, so pain is always an issue,” she testified from jail during Thursday’s remote hearing. Greg Abbott last spring that forbids personal recognizance bonds in violent felony cases, Judge Velia Meza denied Salinas’ request and ordered that her $75,000 bond remain in place.
Arson investigating house fire on the East Side
Read full article: Arson investigating house fire on the East SideSAN ANTONIO A family will return to a destroyed and charred home on the East Side after it unexpectedly went up in flames. Firefighters were dispatched to the house fire, located in the 1200 block of Kayton Avenue around 6:30 Saturday morning. An East Side family will return to a destroyed home after flames quickly took over their home early Saturday morning. According to fire captain, Brandon Schultz, flames fully engulfed the front porch and burnt through part of the roof early Saturday morning. Arson investigators will take over the case to determine a cause.
Video captures apartment fire SAFD believes may have been intentionally set
Read full article: Video captures apartment fire SAFD believes may have been intentionally setVideo captures apartment fire SAFD believes may have been intentionally setPublished: October 26, 2019, 3:10 pmNeighbors and first responders rushed to get residents out of their homes at an apartment complex on the city's Southeast side.