Austin Man Arrested for Arson After Fire Injures Two
AUSTIN, Texas — In a shocking incident that has left the North Austin community rattled, a man has been arrested in connection with an arson fire that caused serious injuries to two individuals and displaced dozens of residents. The suspect, Pavel Sapronov, 38, was taken into custody last week following an investigation into the fire that occurred on September 3 at an apartment complex located on West Longspur Boulevard.
Details of the Incident
According to an affidavit filed by law enforcement, Sapronov is accused of intentionally setting the fire in an act of revenge against a couple he met through a dating application. The affidavit reveals a troubling account of Sapronov’s interaction with the couple. In August, he arranged to meet the woman at a hotel room but reacted violently by throwing her to the ground as soon as he entered. The situation escalated until the woman’s boyfriend intervened and forced Sapronov out of the room.
After this disturbing encounter, the woman deleted her dating profile but later reopened a new one, where she subsequently reconnected with Sapronov. He was reportedly invited to their apartment once again, where he allegedly assaulted the woman for a second time. Fortunately, witnesses at the scene intervened, preventing further injury before Sapronov fled the area.
The Fire Breaks Out
Following the assault, witnesses reported hearing a loud noise, followed by the unmistakable scent of smoke, indicating that a fire had started nearby. Initial reports suggest that the fire eventually burned itself out, but Sapronov allegedly reignited the flames, prompting three residents from the apartment to evacuate without injury. However, once fire crews arrived, they discovered that the fire had spread to several balconies and a stairwell, affecting six apartments in total.
Injuries and Damage
Tragically, the fire left a man and woman in a nearby apartment with life-threatening injuries. The overall damage caused by the fire has been estimated at around $1 million, with additional losses of about $200,000 in personal contents. The severity of the situation has prompted local officials to take swift action.
Evidence and Arrest
Law enforcement has revealed that surveillance footage captured Sapronov’s suspicious behavior. He was seen parking near the apartment complex and running back and forth to his vehicle multiple times, which raised red flags during the investigation. As a result, he now faces serious charges, including two counts of aggravated assault and one count of arson.
Current Status
Sapronov remains in custody, with his bail set at a total of $110,000. The community is now grappling with the aftermath of the incident, as many families have been forced from their homes due to the fire.
Community Response
The severity of the injuries and the significant property damage have understandably caused concern among residents in North Austin. Many are coming together to provide support for those affected by the fire, ensuring that assistance is available to those displaced from their homes.
As investigators continue to look into this horrific event, the community is left wondering how a dating app meeting could escalate to such a dangerous outcome. Local officials are urging anyone with information related to the incident to reach out to law enforcement as they continue their investigation.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder about the potential dangers of online interactions and the importance of personal safety. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and to take necessary precautions when meeting people through online platforms.
