Police: Arson suspect brags on Facebook

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A popular social networking website helped police catch an arson suspect after the man bragged about the crime online.

Austin police said David Ochoa Delgado, 18, set his neighbor’s apartment on fire and then bragged about it on Facebook.

According to police reports, a resident at the Silverdale apartment complex had a party Friday night. Numerous times throughout the night, the victim - an elderly lady – reportedly complained about the loud music.

As the party wound down and guests started leaving, an unidentified resident reported seeing Delgado walking toward the victim’s apartment. The witness said about 10 minutes later, she saw Delgado leaving and heard the victim yell, “Help me!”

The neighbor and her boyfriend then reportedly ran to the victim’s apartment and saw that is was on fire.

When firefighters arrived, they found fire damage to the outside door and frame of the apartment. No one was injured.

Based on an initial investigation, officials determined the fire was intentionally set.

When investigators said they questioned Delgado, he reportedly told them he started the fire. Police said he even bragged about on his Facebook page saying, “Had an awesome time. Did what I had to do. Old people nag ha, ha.”

Delgado was arrested and charged with arson, a first-degree felony. He’s being held on a $15,000 bond.