HOUSTON'S EAST END – A few days after a Houston firefighter was killed in the line of duty, the HFD Arson Bureau has now filed arson charges and arrested a suspect.
The city says 38-year-old Yesenia Espinoza Mendez is charged with first degree arson for starting a fire where 42-year-old firefighter Marcelo Garcia was killed on Nov. 6.
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According to a police source, she was taken into custody Saturday.
Tributes continue to pour in for the fallen firefighter, including at City Hall which was lit up in red honoring Garcia.
Garcia was killed responding to the fire on Supply Row near Polk on the city’s east side. While battling the large blaze, a wall collapsed, while firefighters were inside, injuring Garcia and another firefighter. Garcia was rushed to a nearby hospital where he died from his injuries.
The other firefighter suffered minor injuries and was listed in OK condition.
More than a hundred firefighters responded to the 3-alarm fire. Arson investigators believe the fire was intentionally set by Mendez. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as well as the Texas State Fire Marshal’s office are helping with the investigation.
Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz said, “This charge is the first step in a long healing process for the firefighters of this City.” He adds, “I want to extend my personal gratitude to our Arson Bureau, the Houston Police Department, and the METRO police department for their collaboration on this investigation.”
The Houston Fire Department hasn’t experienced the loss of one of its own while battling a fire since the 2013 Southwest Inn fire that killed several firefighters.
Harris County court records indicate that Mendez has a lengthy criminal history dating as far back as 2009, including multiple assault charges involving partners, two DWIs and a child endangerment charge.
Funeral arrangements for Garcia are pending.