Flames Break Out at Riverside H-E-B as Suspect Attempts Alcohol Theft
It was just after 9:40 p.m. on a Friday night near the busy intersection of East Riverside Drive and Springdale Road in East Austin’s Govalle neighborhood when smoke began to curl up inside the H-E-B at 2508 E. Riverside Drive. Shoppers had mostly cleared out, but a few employees and security staff were still inside when a sudden blaze erupted in an aisle stocked with toilet paper. The fire quickly drew attention, forcing staff into emergency action and sending ripples through a community that relies heavily on this grocery hub.
Eric Alejandro Berron, 26, was arrested after investigators determined he deliberately set fire to merchandise inside the store. The incident occurred on the evening of February 3, with the Austin Fire Department arriving promptly at 9:41 p.m. to contain what was classified as a structure fire. According to an affidavit obtained by local authorities, surveillance footage captured Berron walking down an aisle before reaching toward the toilet paper shelves twice in rapid succession. Moments later, smoke appeared, then visible flames.
While H-E-B employees and security worked to extinguish the fire, video evidence shows Berron moving to the beer and wine section, filling a shopping cart with alcohol. He exited through the produce department’s side door and was later seen loading the goods into a vehicle in the parking lot. The license plate reader system identified the car as registered to a resident in Kyle, but the registered owner was not the suspect. Kyle Police Department detectives recognized Berron from previous encounters and confirmed his identity.
Berron now faces a second-degree felony arson charge for intentionally igniting a fire inside an occupied commercial building, a criminal act that endangered lives, damaged property, and disrupted a critical neighborhood resource. The Austin Fire Department credited the Kyle Police Department, Hays County Sheriff’s Office, and H-E-B’s management and loss prevention teams for their coordinated efforts in identifying and apprehending the suspect.
Why This Incident Hits Home for Austin Residents
East Riverside Drive is a vital artery for thousands of Austin residents, connecting neighborhoods like Govalle and East Riverside-Oltorf. The H-E-B at 2508 E. Riverside Drive isn’t just a grocery store; it’s a lifeline for families, seniors, and workers who depend on it for daily essentials. When a fire like this breaks out, it’s not just a threat to the store—it’s a direct threat to your safety and your access to necessities.
Fires in commercial buildings cause more than just property damage. They disrupt traffic on already congested corridors like East Riverside Drive, forcing closures and detours that can add hours to your commute. Emergency responses pull vital resources from the community, delaying aid for other critical incidents. The smoke and potential toxic fumes from burning products can affect air quality in nearby neighborhoods such as Govalle and Cherrywood, aggravating health issues for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Financially, arson drives up insurance costs for local businesses, which often pass those costs on to customers. This means higher prices for your groceries and household goods. The stress and uncertainty caused by such incidents ripple through families and workplaces, impacting your quality of life and peace of mind. If the store remains closed for repairs or investigations, you could face longer drives to find alternatives, losing valuable time and adding to daily hassles.
If You Experience a Fire or Crime at Your Local Business: What You Need to Do Immediately
- 1. Call 911 immediately if you see a fire or suspect arson. Do not try to handle flames yourself.
- 2. Evacuate the building calmly but quickly, using designated exits. Alert others if safe to do so.
- 3. Avoid inhaling smoke or fumes; cover your mouth with a cloth if necessary and stay low to the ground.
- 4. Once outside, move to a safe distance and do not re-enter until authorities declare it safe.
- 5. Report any suspicious behavior or individuals to store security or law enforcement as soon as possible.
- 6. Document any damage to your vehicle or property if you are in the affected parking lot or nearby areas.
- 7. Contact your insurance provider promptly to start claims processes if your property or belongings are affected.
When Professional Help Becomes Necessary
After the immediate danger has passed, you need professional assistance to navigate the aftermath. If your home or vehicle is damaged by fire or smoke, you must contact licensed contractors and restoration specialists without delay. Delaying repairs can worsen damage, increase costs, and expose your household to health risks from mold and lingering toxins.
If you were directly involved or affected by the crime—whether as a witness, victim, or employee—you need to consult a lawyer experienced in criminal and insurance law. Legal counsel is essential to protect your rights, especially if you face financial loss or require compensation for damages.
For property owners and business managers, engaging with fire safety planners and risk assessment professionals is crucial to prevent future incidents. Austin’s growing neighborhoods like Govalle and Cherrywood are seeing increased commercial activity, making proactive safety planning not optional but necessary.
Local Context: Why East Riverside Residents Should Stay Alert
The H-E-B at 2508 E. Riverside Drive sits near the border of Govalle and East Riverside-Oltorf neighborhoods, areas experiencing rapid growth and development. Thousands of Austinites pass through this stretch daily, whether commuting between downtown and the suburbs or running errands. This fire is a stark reminder that crime and safety risks are real and present in our community.
Residents who shop, work, or live near East Riverside, Springdale Road, and Pleasant Valley Road need to remain vigilant. This incident shows how quickly a moment of criminal intent can escalate into a dangerous fire, threatening lives and disrupting daily routines. The cooperation between multiple law enforcement agencies and H-E-B’s teams highlights the importance of community awareness and swift action.
Where This Is Happening in Austin
This incident occurred at the H-E-B located at 2508 E. Riverside Drive, a major commercial hub serving the Govalle and East Riverside-Oltorf neighborhoods. Nearby streets include Springdale Road to the west and Pleasant Valley Road to the east, both critical routes for local commuters. The area is close to landmarks like the Lady Bird Lake trail system and the Austin Community College Riverside Campus, frequented by residents and students alike.
East Riverside Drive is a heavily trafficked corridor connecting downtown Austin to eastern suburbs such as Manor and Pflugerville. Many Austin residents rely on this stretch for grocery shopping, dining, and access to public transit. The fire and resulting investigation forced temporary closures and detours that affected traffic flow and local businesses in the area, underscoring the vulnerability of this essential corridor.
