Police confirm Pearsall arsonist remains at large

By Breyana Segura - Chief Staff Writer | November 26, 2025

Authorities encourage community vigilance

Pearsall Police Lieutenant Nathaniel Ximenez confirmed this week that the department has not identified a suspect in a recent series of intentionally set fires.
“Right now we are waiting on the fire marshal’s report,” Ximenez said in a phone interview Monday afternoon. “Since we responded to the same house twice over the course of three days, we called the fire marshal.”
According to the lieutenant, the fire marshal’s office conducted an initial assessment last week, including the use of a canine unit to detect accelerants.
Investigators also secured a geo-fence warrant from a district judge. The warrant will allow investigators to access cellphone data within a specific geographic area and during the timeframe of the suspected offenses.
A vacant two-story house near Polo Patino Park was deliberately set on fire for the second time within three days on Tuesday, November 18, prompting local authorities to issue a warning to residents to remain vigilant for suspicious activity.

The property, located at 162 Davila Street, was first targeted around 6:45 a.m. Sunday, November 16. Fire crews were called to the scene after a passerby spotted flames on the front of the structure. It was due to the witness’ prompt report and firefighters’ fast response that the blaze was extinguished swiftly, resulting in only minor damage to the unoccupied building.

The apparent arsonist struck the same house again at approximately 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, November 18, and on that occasion ignited the back of the building, causing significant structural damage. The Pearsall Volunteer Fire Department responded to the more recent blaze with assistance from the Moore VFD.
Officers have indicated they are investigating both incidents as arson. The repeated nature of the attacks has heightened concerns among emergency services and local residents, according to police, and while no injuries were reported, the incidents are considered to pose a serious threat to public safety and property.
Area residents, particularly those around Polo Patino Park and Davila Street, are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities immediately to local law enforcement. Authorities emphasize the importance of community cooperation in identifying the perpetrator and preventing further incidents.
Anyone with information regarding the fires is encouraged to contact Pearsall police, (830) 334-4169 or call 911.