Police arrest assault suspect
On July 13, 2023, following the investigation of the incident, additional charges have been filed against Lilana Simental-Valenzuela. She has been charged with Criminal Mischief $750-$2,500 and Arson of a Habitation, a first degree felony. She is being held with a $108,500 bond amount. A jail photo of the suspect is included with this release.
This investigation, by the San Saba Police Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office remains on-going.
In case you missed the original story published in our Friday newsletter and on our website, here is the original press release:
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-yearold female from San Saba, Texas was arrested in the 700 block of North Cherokee Street in con-nection 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.
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