Case: 2024-2980460

Date: October 24, 2024

Time: 8:56 a.m.

Location: 6400 block of South Pleasant Valley Road

The Austin Fire Department (AFD) responded to a fire underneath a bridge in the 6400 block of South Pleasant Valley Road at approximately 8:56 a.m. on Thursday, October 24. Crews found that tree limbs had been stacked against the bridge support pillar and set on fire. They extinguished the fire and requested Austin Police Department respond to the scene after noticing Mario Francisco Vasquez Lopez, 35, sitting nearby. Fire crews were familiar with Lopez from previous encounters in which he behaved violently.

APD officers talked with Lopez who admitted to starting the fire. AFD arson investigators conducted an examination of the scene and confirmed that the fire had been intentionally set. The damage to the bridge is estimated to be $20,000.

Lopez was transported to the Travis County Jail. He is facing one count of arson, a second-degree felony. His bond has been set at $20,000.

Mario Francisco Vasquez Lopez, 35