San Saba Police Department
On July 12, 2023, at approximately 5:00 a.m., San Saba law enforcement personnel responded to an in-progress criminal mischief incident in the 700 block of West Gulf Street.
Upon officers’ arrival, a San Saba Police Officer and a San Saba Sheriff’s Deputy discovered a residence fully engulfed in flames. While waiting for the arrival of the San Saba Fire Department, the officers used hand-held fire extinguishers to spray down neighboring residences to ensure the fire did not spread.
A witness at the location advised that he had seen a female suspect commit a criminal mischief act and assault a male victim. The suspect then fled the location on foot.
A short time later, Lilana Simental-Valenzuela, a 38-year-old female from San Saba, Texas was arrested in the 700 block of North Cherokee Street in connection with this incident. She has been charged with Assault Family Violence and is being held at the San Saba County Jail. Additional charges may be pending.
"The San Saba Police Department in collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety will continue to investigate this incident. The State Fire Marshal’s Office will also begin to thoroughly examine potential arson charges. I would also like to commend the swift and decisive actions of the on-scene law enforcement personnel. They worked quickly to contain the fire to prevent it from spreading to neighboring residences and their dedication and quick actions undoubtedly saved property from damage and possibly several lives in the process." San Saba Police Chief John Bauer.
This investigation, by the San Saba Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office, remains on-going.
See next week's edition of the San Saba News & Star for any updates to this story.