Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyCBP Officers Intercept 22.4 Kilograms of Fentanyl at Presidio Port of Entry
On July 15, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized 22.4 kilograms of fentanyl at the Presidio Port of Entry in Texas. The fentanyl was hidden in the spare tire of a 2018 Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by a male U.S. citizen who had just crossed the border from Ojinaga, Mexico. Anomalies detected by nonintrusive inspection technology led to a secondary inspection, revealing the concealed drugs. The driver was arrested and charged with violations related to the importation and possession of controlled substances. This incident highlights the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking at the border.
Public SafetyConviction Handed Down in Human Smuggling and Extortion Plot
Cameron Jake Tucker, a 26-year-old from Bacliff, has been convicted of kidnapping, hostage-taking, and harboring an illegal alien. After a three-day trial, a federal jury reached a guilty verdict in just two hours. The case began on May 14, 2025, when an illegal alien escaped from a stash house in Houston, claiming he had been held captive and assaulted by Tucker. The victim managed to escape and led authorities to the stash house, where Tucker was later apprehended. He faces a potential life sentence and a $250,000 fine, with sentencing scheduled for October 15, 2026.
Public SafetyFM 1015 (Int’l Blvd.) to be reduced to one lane in each direction, July 20-24
From July 20 to July 24, FM 1015 (International Blvd.) will be reduced to one lane in each direction between US 281 (Military Hwy.) and the Progreso port of entry. This lane reduction is necessary for the installation of an irrigation crossing located just north of Rancho Toluca Road. Motorists are advised to remain vigilant and follow all traffic signs in the construction area to ensure safety for all road users.
Public SafetyDislodged federal buoys causing World Trade Bridge closures in Laredo, Texas
The World Trade Bridge in Laredo, Texas, the busiest inland commercial port on the Southwest border, was temporarily shut down this weekend as giant cylindrical federal buoys piled up under the bridge’s pylons. The state’s circular border buoy string in Eagle Pass, however, remained in position and has not floated downriver, the governor’s spokesman and onlookers told Border Report on Sunday.
Public SafetyHit-and-run rollover causes power outage in Edinburg
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Nearly 500 Edinburg homes and businesses are without power after a truck hit a utility pole. Edinburg police responded to a rollover hit-and-run accident at the 3300 block of North Sugar Road around 7 a.m. Police say a white Ford Maverick pickup was going southbound on Sugar Road when it struck a utility pole, causing the truck to roll over.
Public SafetyFerry Capsizes with 133 People Off the Coast of Guyana; Search Underway for Missing Passengers
A government ferry carrying 133 passengers and crew capsized off the coast of Guyana, prompting a large search and rescue operation for the missing. Authorities have rescued 67 individuals, including 41 men, 11 women, and 15 children, according to Prime Minister Mark Phillips. The MV Barima was traveling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma when it encountered difficulties shortly before midnight. A distress call was made at 11:01 PM, leading to the deployment of helicopters, planes, and fishing boats in a search area of 1,000 square miles. The ferry was equipped with life jackets and lifeboats, and officials dismissed claims of overloading as the cause of the incident.
Public SafetyOmar Guerrero, former district secretary, transferred to Hidalgo County jail
Omar Guerrero, the former district secretary of Hidalgo County, has been officially transferred to the Hidalgo County Jail after his arrest in Mexico. The 49-year-old was detained on June 23, 2023, and handed over to U.S. authorities. His formal transfer occurred on July 17, 2026. Guerrero, who served as district secretary from 2005 to 2006, faces several felony charges dating back to 2013, including sexual assault of a minor and drug-related offenses. He is currently in preventive detention, awaiting legal proceedings in the 398th District Court of Texas.
Public SafetyWho are the Tate brothers, accused of rape and human trafficking
Brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate were arrested in Miami after new charges of rape and human trafficking were filed against them by the UK Crown Prosecution Service. These charges involve four additional victims and include serious allegations such as sexual assault and child pornography. The total number of alleged victims in the UK now stands at seven. The Tates, who have dual US and UK citizenship, are known for their controversial online presence promoting misogyny and wealth. They are currently awaiting extradition to the UK, facing previous charges related to similar offenses in both the UK and Romania.
Public SafetyShe Thought She Was Helping Keanu Reeves and Ended Up Scammed Out of $1,300 for Fake Surgery, Police Say
A 77-year-old woman fell victim to an alleged scam last Thursday in San Juan after sending $1,300 in gift cards for a supposed surgery for actor Keanu Reeves, according to the Puerto Rico Police. The incident was reported at a senior citizens' condominium located on Doménech Avenue in Hato Rey. The victim claimed that someone posed as the doctor responsible for the supposed surgery and requested money via gift cards to cover the alleged medical treatment. Over time, she continued to receive requests to send more money. However, after sending the gift cards totaling $1,300, the complainant realized she was being scammed and went to authorities to file a report. The Property and Fraud Division of the Criminal Investigations Corps (CIC) in San Juan is investigating the incident.
Public SafetySuspect arrested at port of entry in connection with Combes shooting investigation
German Tanguma was arrested at the Hidalgo International Port of Entry on July 16 while attempting to enter the United States. His arrest is linked to a shooting incident that occurred in Combes on June 6. The Combes police had issued multiple arrest warrants for Tanguma, charging him with four counts of deadly conduct for discharging a firearm, four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Public SafetyMan confesses to eight burglaries in downtown Brownsville, police say
Oscar Leonardo Urbina, a 35-year-old man, was arrested on July 17 after confessing to eight burglaries in downtown Brownsville, according to the Brownsville Police Department. He faces seven charges of burglary of a building and one charge of burglary of a habitation. Police utilized extensive surveillance footage to identify Urbina as the suspect responsible for targeting local businesses. Following his arraignment, a bond of $450,000 was set for his release.
Public SafetyTate Brothers Arrested in the U.S.; Facing New Rape Charges in the UK
Social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate were arrested on Saturday in Miami, Florida, by federal agents. This arrest is linked to new rape charges in the United Kingdom, according to British authorities. The Crown Prosecution Service in the UK confirmed that Andrew, 39, and Tristan, 38, face additional charges related to ongoing cases. Andrew Tate faces seven new rape charges, along with multiple charges for human trafficking and child pornography. Tristan Tate faces charges of sexual assault and rape. The allegations involve incidents from July 2010 to August 2017, with the brothers awaiting extradition to the UK.
Public SafetyFather and son arrested after holding two Forest Service employees at gunpoint
A father and son are facing federal kidnapping charges after they allegedly held two U.S. Forest Service employees at gunpoint in a trailer near Mount Shasta, Northern California. The employees were conducting routine operations in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest when they were captured on Thursday. They were released early Friday morning after being held for over 12 hours. The suspects, aged 49 and an adult son, surrendered with assault rifles and knives, and one claimed to have grenades. Authorities, including the FBI, were involved in the rescue operation, and thankfully, no injuries were reported during the incident.
Public SafetyBPD: Man confessed to 8 downtown Brownsville burglaries
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man was arrested in connection with a series of burglaries in the downtown Brownsville area Brownsville police say Oscar Leonardo Urbina, 35, was charged with burglary of a habitation, a second-degree felony, and seven counts of burglary of a building, a state jail felony. He was arrested just after midnight on
Public SafetyBorder buoys dislodged and floating down Rio Grande toward Laredo, Texas
At least 120 giant border buoys weighing about one ton each on Friday were floating uncontrolled down the Rio Grande from Eagle Pass, Texas, toward the South Texas border town of Laredo due to flooding in the region.
Public SafetyMcAllen man survives after 5-foot metal rod pierces his windshield on the expressway
A McAllen resident, John Montemayor, narrowly escaped injury when a 5-foot metal rod pierced his windshield while driving on the expressway near La Feria. Montemayor was traveling at 60 mph when the rod, which had already been struck by two other vehicles, came dangerously close to his face. He managed to pull over safely with only minor cuts from the shattered glass. Montemayor emphasized the importance of securing items while driving, as unsecured loads can lead to serious accidents. The Texas Department of Transportation warns that failing to secure loads can result in fines, especially if injuries occur. Montemayor plans to turn the rod into a cross as a reminder of his close call.
Public SafetyFormer Hidalgo County district clerk now in county jail after federal charge dropped
Omar Guerrero, the former Hidalgo County District Clerk, was transferred to county jail after a federal escape charge against him was dropped. This decision was made by a federal judge on July 17, 2026, following a motion from prosecutors citing 'the interest of justice.' Guerrero is currently facing multiple charges, including two counts of sexual assault of a child and three counts of drug possession, with no bond listed. He was previously arrested in June after 13 years on the run, having fled to Mexico shortly after being charged with drug possession and sexual assault in 2013.
Public SafetyCameron County investigators using new technology on Nahomi Rodriguez case
On July 17, 2026, it will be ten years since Nahomi Rodriguez disappeared after leaving her job at a Harlingen McDonald's. Although no one has been charged, investigators from the Harlingen Police Department and Cameron County Sheriff's Office are revisiting the case using new technology. Surveillance footage from the day she vanished shows her entering a car, marking the last sighting of Rodriguez. The only person of interest, Miguel Angel Flores, is currently incarcerated until 2033. A $25,000 reward is still offered for information leading to an arrest, as authorities continue to seek answers for Rodriguez's family.
Public SafetyHouston man killed in Starr County crash
A 67-year-old man from Houston lost his life in a two-vehicle accident in Starr County on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred around 1:40 p.m. on FM 755, south of FM 1017, near La Gloria. A silver Dodge Ram towing a trailer was traveling north when a gray Dodge 1500 heading south crossed into the northbound lane. The driver of the Dodge Ram attempted to avoid a collision, but the Dodge 1500 struck the trailer. The passenger in the Dodge 1500, Noelio Garza Peña, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Dodge 1500 sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized, while the Dodge Ram driver did not require medical attention. The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating the incident.