UPDATED STORY: Napoli’s Fire Investigation Leads to Additional Cocina Azteca Arson Case

By Kris Smith

In the early morning hours on Sunday, Corsicana Fire Rescue and Corsicana Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a structure fire at Napoli’s Italian Restaurant and Bar, located in downtown Corsicana.

Due to the quick response of the Corsicana Police Department, the upstairs residents smelled smoke and were safely evacuated with the assistance of the police officers at the scene.

Corsicana Police Officer Jesse Hanna arrived first on the scene and immediately assisted residents living in apartments directly above the business.

Braving thick smoke and limited visibility, Officer Hanna entered the building, cleared the units, and safely guided the residents to safety.

Corsicana Police Officer Tommy Ordonez arrived on scene a short time later and, together with Officer Hanna, identified signs of forced entry and located key evidence consistent with arson.

Corsicana Police Detective Corporal Michael Brooks and Officer Ordonez examined the evidence and developed a suspect.

Chief Johnson stated, “The case was strengthened through further investigation leading to an arrest warrant being issued for Arson with Intent to Damage Habitat, a first-degree felony.”

On Tuesday morning, CPD Detective Lieutenant Paul Jock and Detective David Daniels located the suspect at a residence in Ennis, Texas, off Ensign Road.

The suspect, identified as Salvador Sandoval, 43, was taken into custody without incident. Additional evidence from the night of the fire was recovered from his possession and is being examined by the forensic team.

This event occurred and was contained in the bar side of the building and was quickly extinguished. Although the fire displaced 3 individuals, no injuries were reported.

Assistant Fire Chief Wade Gillen continued, “We would like to commend the quick response by the Corsicana firefighters and police officers as they were able to keep the fire damage to a minimum with no loss of life.”

Corsicana Police Chief Johnson stated in a press release on Tuesday afternoon, “This incident underscores the bravery, professionalism, and teamwork of Corsicana Fire Rescue and the Corsicana Police Department. I would like to personally commend the rapid response and coordinated efforts of all involved, including Assistant Fire Chief Wade Gillen, whose leadership and cooperation were instrumental in this successful outcome.”

Sandoval was transported to the Navarro County Jail, on charges of Arson of a habitation and an additional charge was added for arson of Cocina Azteca Restaurant.

UPDATE:  Chief Johnson informed, “Further investigation into the October 12th arson fire at Napoli’s Bar and Restaurant has resulted in an additional felony arson charge being filed against 43-year-old Salvador Sandoval. This new charge stems from a separate incident that occurred on May 26th, 2024, at Cocina Azteca Restaurant, located at 122 W. 3rd Avenue in Corsicana. In that incident, a homemade Molotov cocktail was thrown through the restaurant’s glass door, igniting inside the dining area and causing approximately $4,000 in damage.”

The case was initially investigated by the Corsicana Fire Rescue’s Fire Marshal’s Office, with assistance from the Corsicana Police Department.

“While early evidence placed Sandoval vehicle in the vicinity of the offense, investigators at the time lacked sufficient probable cause to obtain a warrant. Following new developments in the Napoli’s Bar arson investigation, detectives re-interviewed Sandoval regarding the Cocina Azteca fire. Based on information obtained during this subsequent interview, investigators established probable cause to seek another arrest warrant. Sandoval has now been formally charged with Arson, a Second-Degree Felony under Texas law,” stated Chief Johnson in a press release update on Wednesday.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the Corsicana Police Department will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.

Chief Johnson continued, “The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details will be released until its conclusion.”

The NavCo Chronicle will update this story as more information becomes available.

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