Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetySpaceX Prepares for Starship Flight 14 from Starbase
STARBASE, Texas — SpaceX announced that it is preparing to conduct the fourteenth flight of Starship from Starbase in Cameron County as early as Tuesday, September 22, pending approval from regulatory authorities. According to the company, the launch window will last 75 minutes and will begin at 7:15 a.m. As part of safety measures for the launch, SpaceX will establish a perimeter in coordination with local authorities. This will include temporary closures of State Highway 4 and Boca Chica Beach. SpaceX warned that the scheduled date could change due to various factors related to flight preparations. The city of Starbase will be posting notices about the temporary closures of Boca Chica Beach and Highway 4. Interested individuals can also receive updates on closures and access delays by texting the word 'BEACH' to 1-866-513-3475. SpaceX reported that its flight broadcast will begin approximately 30 minutes before liftoff.
Public SafetySchool District Employee Investigated for Alleged Inappropriate Conduct with Student
The Rio Grande City Grulla ISD school district reported that it recently became aware of alleged inappropriate conduct by one of its employees involving a student. In a statement, the district emphasized that it takes the accusation seriously and is fully cooperating with authorities and other agencies involved in the investigation. "The safety and well-being of students are the district's top priority," it stated. The district also indicated that it will comply with applicable laws, notification requirements, and its policies and procedures throughout the process. To protect the student's privacy and respect ongoing investigations, the district noted that it will not provide additional information about the accusation or matters related to the employee at this time. The statement also references an arrest warrant and a criminal investigation, although it does not provide information about potential charges or identify the individual involved. Questions regarding the arrest warrant or the criminal investigation should be directed to the law enforcement agency handling the case, according to the district.
Public SafetyRGCGISD School Bus Involved in Incident on Hospital Road
On the morning of September 15, a school bus from the Rio Grande City Grulla ISD (RGCGISD) was involved in a minor incident on Hospital Road. The bus involved was #38, and the district confirmed that no students were injured. RGCGISD emphasized its commitment to keeping families and the community informed about incidents related to its transportation system. The district stated, 'The safety and well-being of our students remains our top priority,' and expressed gratitude for the dedication of its transportation staff. Details about how the incident occurred or whether another vehicle was involved have not yet been released.
Public SafetyBookie who collected nearly $3.8 million from high-rollers pleads guilty
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A bookie who collected nearly $3.8 million from high-rollers in South Texas pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge on Monday. Marco Antonio Cardenas, 48, of Mission — and other people who participated in the conspiracy — received nearly $3.8 million from March 2019 to March 2026. Cardenas collected nearly $2.9
Public SafetyFamilicide in the Valley: What can drive someone to kill their own family?
OLMITO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two deadly family shootings in the Rio Grande Valley this year have raised questions about a rare but devastating form of violence: familicide. Familicide, sometimes referred to as family annihilation, occurs when a person kills multiple members of their own family. Following the killing of four people in Cameron County, local officials
Public SafetyOur son could have died: reckless driver crashes into a fence of a home in Texas
DALLAS, Texas – A child is alive by a miracle after a driver crashed their car into the fence of a home in a residential neighborhood in Fort Worth. According to the police report, the incident occurred on Sunday, September 13, around 7:00 PM, near the 1500 block of Heritage Trace. Once officers arrived at the scene, they were able to locate the suspect's vehicle. The driver, approximately 22 years old, was taken to the hospital and received a citation; authorities stated he was speeding and driving recklessly. The homeowners and family members were not injured. The fence was destroyed. The affected Van Dusen family issued the following statement: "What happened to our family was not just an accident. It was a terrifying reminder of how quickly a reckless driver can cause a tragedy. Our two-year-old son was in our backyard, just inches from where a vehicle crashed into our fence. Our five-year-old twins were also in the pool." "Our son could have died. Our twins could have been injured or killed. In a matter of seconds, our home and our yard, places where our children should be completely safe, became a scene where we had to face the possibility of losing one of our children." "We are incredibly grateful to be here today with our children alive. But we cannot ignore how close we were to suffering a devastating loss for our family. What we find unacceptable is the idea that something so dangerous could result in little more than a citation and a $200 fine. A monetary penalty does not adequately reflect the danger created when someone decides to drive recklessly and at excessive speeds in a residential neighborhood. A fence can be repaired. Property can be replaced. But a child's life cannot. We are not interested in just pointing fingers. We want to turn what has happened to our family into meaningful change." It appears that street racing has also been seen in the neighborhood.
Public SafetyEdinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala announces retirement
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala is set to retire next month, ending more than five years of service as chief with the Edinburg Police Department. The city of Edinburg on Monday announced Ayala's intention to retire, citing that Ayala will return to North Texas to spend time with his family. Ayala
Public SafetyBond denied for Honduran man accused of fatally shooting 4 near San Benito
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A judge denied bond for a Honduran man accused of shooting and killing four people near San Benito early Sunday morning. Joel Christian Pacheco Maldonado is facing charges of capital murder of multiple persons and three counts of abandoning or endangering a child. During a bond hearing before 103rd state District
Public SafetyBond denied for Honduran man acused of fatally shooting 4 near San Benito
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A judge denied bond for a Honduran man accused of shooting and killing four people near San Benito early Sunday morning. Joel Christian Pacheco Maldonado is facing charges of capital murder of multiple persons and three counts of abandoning or endangering a child. During a bond hearing before 103rd state District
Public SafetyHonduran man denied bond in 4-person shooting case near San Benito
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A judge denied bond for a Honduran man accused of shooting and killing a family of four near San Benito early Sunday morning. Joel Christian Pacheco Maldonado is facing charges of capital murder of multiple persons and three counts of abandoning or endangering a child. During a bond hearing before 103rd
Public SafetyEdinburg Police Chief Announces Retirement
Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala has announced his retirement, effective October 30, 2026. Ayala, who has led the department since October 2021, expressed gratitude for the support he received from city leadership, officers, and the community during his tenure. A graduate of Edinburg High School, he began his law enforcement career as a volunteer and later served 32 years with the Arlington Police Department. Under his leadership, the Edinburg Police Department implemented innovative programs like the Drone as a First Responder and the Business Watch Program. The city will soon announce the process for selecting a new police chief.
Public SafetyMeth found in shipment of cilantro and other vegetables
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr International Bridge discovered more than $25 million worth of methamphetamine hidden in a shipment of vegetables. On Tuesday, Sept. 8, a tractor trailer traveling from Reynosa to Pharr was ordered to undergo a secondary inspection. That's when CBP officers say they found
Public SafetyMeth found in shipment of cilantro and other vegetables
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr International Bridge discovered more than $25 million worth of methamphetamine hidden in a shipment of vegetables. On Tuesday, Sept. 8, a tractor trailer traveling from Reynosa to Pharr was ordered to undergo a secondary inspection. That's when CBP officers say they found
Public SafetyCBP Officers Seize more than $25M in Meth at Pharr International Bridge
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Pharr International Bridge seized over $25 million in methamphetamine on September 8. The drugs, valued at $25,167,000, were hidden in a shipment labeled as cabbage, tomatillo, and cilantro, transported by a tractor trailer from Reynosa, Mexico. During a secondary inspection, which included a nonintrusive scan and canine screening, officers discovered 1,164 packages of meth weighing a total of 2,815.30 lbs. (1277 kg). The narcotics and the vehicle were seized, and a criminal investigation has been initiated by Homeland Security Investigations.
Public SafetySDTX continues Take Back America efforts with 212 new cases
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas has charged 218 individuals in immigration-related cases from September 4 to 10. Among them, 21 are accused of human smuggling, including nine illegal aliens. There are 36 complaints for illegal entry and 150 for felony reentry after removal, with many having prior felony convictions for narcotics and violent crimes. The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, aimed at enhancing border security and public safety. If convicted, offenders could face up to 20 years in federal prison. The office serves over 10 million people across 43 counties.
Public SafetyMan Arrested for Identity Theft on Social Media
Abrian Ian Buchanan was arrested in Edcouch, TX, on charges of identity theft online, a third-degree felony. Authorities reported that over the weekend, investigators identified a suspect who allegedly entered local businesses to photograph employees and create social media profiles using their names and identities. After establishing probable cause, an arrest warrant was issued, leading to Buchanan's apprehension. Currently, authorities have not disclosed how many individuals may have been affected or what type of content was posted on the alleged profiles. Buchanan remains innocent until proven guilty in court.
Public SafetyU.S. Border Patrol Agents Rescue Three Locked in Rail Car in Del Rio
On September 7, Border Patrol agents in Del Rio rescued three individuals locked inside a freight car during an inspection of a stationary train. The agents, using a canine unit, discovered one Mexican national, one Nicaraguan, and one Honduran concealed in pickup truck beds within the locked rail car. They were taken to the Uvalde Border Patrol Station for processing. This incident marks the second rescue in recent weeks at the same location, highlighting the dangers of illegal entry attempts via trains, as noted by Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Good.
Public SafetySheriff: 4 dead south of San Benito
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) - The Cameron County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating a quadruple homicide. Sheriff Manuel Trevino said the details are limited, but we do not it happened at the 3200 block of Road 819, south of San Benito. The neighborhood is off of Juan Garza Jr. Road, south of the expressway, We currently
Public SafetySuspect Identified in Quadruple Homicide Near San Benito
Cameron County — Authorities have identified Christian Joel Maldonado as the alleged shooter responsible for a shooting that left four people dead early Sunday morning on the outskirts of San Benito. Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Treviño confirmed that Maldonado is in custody and stated that, based on the information available so far, they do not expect to make any additional arrests related to the case. 'We have four people murdered, we have a suspect in custody. We do not expect any more arrests,' Treviño said during an update on the investigation. The incident was reported around 3:00 a.m. in the 32000 block of Highway 819. The four victims, all adults, were found with gunshot wounds. Authorities have not disclosed their identities, ages, or genders as the investigation continues. However, Treviño confirmed that all four victims were related in some way. 'In one way or another, the victims are related as family, but we cannot provide further details,' the sheriff explained. Investigators are continuing to work to determine what may have motivated the attack. Maldonado is expected to appear before a judge for a formal reading of the charges against him.