San Saba Woman Faces Arson, Other Charges

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The San Saba Police Department issued the following press releases Wednesday and Thursday:

On Wednesday, July 12 at approximately 5 a.m., San Saba law enforcement personnel responded to an in-progress criminal mischief incident in the 700 blocks 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 said 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, was arrested in the 700 block of North Cherokee in connection with this incident. She was charged with Assault Family Violence and was being held at the San Saba County Jail.

On Thursday, July 13 following the investigation of the incident, additional charges were filed against the suspect. 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.

The investigation by the San Saba Police Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office remains ongoing.