Man arrested, accused of arson at southeast Austin apartment

Austin Police arrested a man they said is responsible for arson at a southeast Austin apartment on July 26.

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A man accused of arson at a southeast Austin apartment on July 26 was arrested by Austin Police and Austin Fire arson investigators, according to an AFD release.

APD officers responded to a 911 call of a man damaging walls and attempting to light an apartment on fire in the 1700 block of Burton Drive on Friday around 4 p.m., AFD said.

Officers noticed a burnt smell in the apartment and found singed paper. They also spoke with a witness on the scene who confirmed the initial report of a man intentionally lighting a fire in the apartment, the release said.

APD officers detained the suspect and notified the AFD Arson Division.

The suspect was identified by authorities as Carlos Humberto Herrera-Anariba, 28. KXAN has reached out to his attorney to request a comment on the case.

AFD investigators responded and identified a growing burning smell in the apartment, and they began removing sections of damaged drywall to ensure there was no remaining smoldering. During that search, investigators discovered charred toilet paper inside the wall, the release said

Herrera-Anariba was charged with arson of habitation. He was booked into the Travis County Jail and his bond was set at $15,000.

AFD said there were no injuries reported as a result of this incident, but the building sustained an estimated $500 in damages.