Bond set at $75K for teen accused of setting fire that destroyed several units at northwest Houston apartment complex

Jose Espinoza Villanueva (Houston Police Department)

HOUSTON – A teen accused of starting a fire at an apartment complex in northwest Houston Tuesday appeared in court Wednesday night.

Jose Espinoza Villanueva has been charged with arson and intent to cause damage to a habitation after the fire damaged 16 units and displaced several residents.

The incident was reported around 1 p.m. at the complex, located in the 5900 block of Flintlock Road.

Firefighters arrived at the scene and performed extinguishment efforts to contain the blaze. No firefighters or civilians were reportedly injured.

Investigators learned that Villanueva set clothes on fire inside of a closet, which caused the large blaze to spread throughout the complex.

Houston firefighters battle large blaze at apartment complex at 5915 Flintlock Rd. on March 7, 2023. (Copyright 2023 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

Villanueva appeared before the judge around 10 p.m. where his bond was set at $75,000. As part of his bond conditions, Villanueva is not allowed back at the complex, must wear a GPS ankle monitor, surrender his passport and submit to drug testing.


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