According to the Brownwood Police Department, on Sunday, February 7, 2021, at approximately 12:20 am, officers with the Brownwood Police Department were dispatched to a residence in the 1100 block of San Benito regarding a report of a possible domestic disturbance.

Upon arrival, Sergeant Art Shannon spoke with the homeowner in the front yard.  The homeowner explained that he awakened by the sound of loud banging coming from his son’s room.  The victim entered the hallway and immediately smelled smoke inside the house.  He also observed thick smoke floating in the hallway.  The victim yelled for his son; wanting to know what was on fire and the son replied, “You, I’m burning you!”  Upon hearing this, the victim exited the residence and phoned 911.  The son was identified as 51 year-old Joe Richard Cadena Jr.

Sgt Shannon, and other officers approached the front door of the residence to check on Cadena.  As they made it to the front porch, Cadena exited the front door, holding a large hunting/survival knife.  Cadena was disarmed and placed in handcuffs for everyone’s safety.  Also located on Cadena was a used glass tube consistent with being used as a smoking pipe.  This device is commonly used to smoke methamphetamine.  Cadena also appeared to be under the influence of an illegal substance, methamphetamine.

Brownwood Fire Department firefighters entered the residence and observed several boxes of clothing and cloth material smoldering.  No active flames were visible.  The items were removed and the home made safe for investigation.

Based on the information gathered, Cadena was arrested for Arson and transported to the Brown County Jail.

According to Brown County Jail records, the Arson charge carries a bond of $75,000.