Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyRio Grande City Police Report Phone Line Issues
The Rio Grande City Police announced on Facebook that their phone line is experiencing technical difficulties. Authorities are asking residents to call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency while they work to resolve the issue. They also apologized for the inconvenience and thanked the community for their patience.
Public SafetyBody of 59-Year-Old Man Found in Irrigation Canal in San Juan
Authorities in San Juan, Texas, are investigating the death of a 59-year-old man whose body was found in an irrigation canal on Tuesday night. The San Juan Police Department reported that they received a call around 5:56 p.m. from a witness who saw the man fall into the water. Upon arrival, officers and firefighters began searching but initially could not locate him. By 7:58 p.m., firefighters from San Juan, assisted by Pharr firefighters, recovered the man's body. His identity has not been disclosed as officials work to notify his family. Preliminary investigations suggest the fall was accidental.
Public SafetyBody recovered from San Juan canal after suspected accidental fall, police say
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- An investigation is underway after the body of a 59-year-old man was recovered in a canal on Tuesday evening in San Juan. Police believe that the man fell into the canal by accident. Officials say that at approximately 5:56 p.m., San Juan police and firefighters responded after a witness reported a
Public SafetyCouple arrested at Mission stash house had more than $700,000 in cash, 180 pounds of cocaine, DEA says
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration seized more than $700,000 and 180 pounds of cocaine on Sunday, when federal agents raided a stash house in Mission. At 8:50 p.m. on Sunday, the DEA and the Texas Department of Public Safety raided a stash house in Mission. Two people lived in the three-bedroom
Public SafetyScheduled road closures on frontage road in McAllen
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Night closures are scheduled for a portion of the frontage road in McAllen. The Interstate 2 westbound frontage road between Jackson Road and Jackson Avenue in McAllen will be closed nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting Tuesday, Sept 1. Closures will be in effect daily through Friday, Sept. 4.
Public SafetyTragedy in San Juan: Man Dies After Falling into Irrigation Canal
A tragic incident occurred in San Juan when a 59-year-old man fell into an irrigation canal. Emergency responders mobilized quickly after a witness reported the fall near the 600 block of East El Dora Road. Initial search efforts by the San Juan Police and Fire Departments were unsuccessful in locating the man. However, later assistance from the Pharr Fire Department led to the recovery of his body. San Juan Police Chief Leandro Sifuentes Jr. stated that preliminary investigations suggest the fall was accidental. Authorities are working to officially identify the deceased and notify his family.
Public SafetyWoman accused of delivering marijuana to Cameron County inmate
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A woman was arrested and charged after allegedly delivering marijuana to an inmate at a Cameron County correctional facility. Alejandra Maria Guevara, 23, was arrested in Brownsville on Tuesday and charged with bringing a prohibited substance into a correctional facility, a third-degree felony. Cameron County inmate Victor Manuel Castillo, 27, was
Public SafetyDPS Encourages Texans to Plan for a Sober Ride This College Football Season
As college football season begins in Texas, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) urges fans to plan for a sober ride home. DPS emphasizes that driving under the influence is a leading cause of accidents and fatalities on Texas roads. With many fans attending games and tailgates, it's crucial to choose a designated driver or use rideshare services if consuming alcohol. The department reminds that even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgment and increase crash risks. A first-time DWI conviction can lead to severe financial and legal consequences. Fans are encouraged to report impaired drivers and stay safe this season.
Public SafetyHidalgo County Courthouse to remain closed to the public on Wed.& Thur., Sept 2nd & 3rd
The Hidalgo County Courthouse will be closed to the public on Wednesday, September 2, and Thursday, September 3, due to damage from a vehicle crash at the entrance. County officials are assessing the extent of the damage and have decided to keep the courthouse closed until it is safe to reopen. While the public cannot enter, court staff and county employees will be allowed to conduct essential business. Jurors and the public scheduled to appear on those days should not report to the courthouse. Updates on court schedules will be provided as more information becomes available.
Public SafetyGangster and his girlfriend sent to prison for illegally buying a gun
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A judge sent a gangster and his girlfriend to prison Tuesday for illegally buying a gun. Saul Armando Aguilar, 26, of Elsa and his girlfriend, Jeanette Davila, 42, of Edcouch, sold drugs. Aguilar and Davila had felony convictions, which prevented them from buying weapons. In 2023, the couple paid another person
Public SafetyMcAllen man killed aunt, pushed grandma after argument about hallucinating, records allege
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An offense report obtained by ValleyCentral alleges a McAllen man killed his aunt and pushed his grandma after an argument about him hallucinating. The incident happened Aug. 22 at a home on the 1500 block of Redwood Avenue. The McAllen Police Department previously said that officers responded after receiving a 911
Public SafetyNighttime closure of SB I-69E (US 77) planned Wednesday, Sep. 2nd in San Benito
On Wednesday, September 2, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., the southbound main lanes of I-69E (US 77) in San Benito will be closed between the FM 732 exit ramp and the San Benito rest stop. This closure is necessary for the installation of traffic counters, which will assist TxDOT in planning future roadway improvements. All southbound traffic must exit at FM 732 and use the I-69E frontage road, along with FM 732 or US Business Highway 77 as alternate routes. Drivers are advised to plan ahead to avoid delays.
Public SafetyWoman Arrested for Bringing Drugs to Olmito Jail
The Cameron County Sheriff's Office filed criminal charges against two individuals following an investigation into the introduction of prohibited substances at the correctional facility in Olmito, Texas. The suspects were identified as 27-year-old Víctor Manuel Castillo and 23-year-old Alejandra María Guevara. The investigation began when custody staff discovered that Castillo, who is incarcerated, had alleged contraband after receiving a visit from Guevara. Field tests confirmed that the recovered substance was marijuana. Department investigators reviewed security camera footage and gathered evidence to obtain the necessary arrest warrants. Guevara was apprehended at a residence in Brownsville, while Castillo was processed directly at the jail. Both face charges for introducing prohibited substances into a correctional facility, a third-degree felony. Authorities reiterated their commitment to investigating and penalizing any attempts to smuggle contraband or illegal items into county jails.
Public SafetyTwo Arrested for Smuggling Drugs into Cameron County Jail
Two individuals were arrested for smuggling drugs into the Cameron County Jail in Olmito, Texas. The suspects, 27-year-old Víctor Manuel Castillo and 23-year-old Alejandra María Guevara, were charged after Castillo was found with marijuana during a visit from Guevara. The discovery prompted an investigation, during which security footage was reviewed, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants. Guevara was apprehended at a residence in Brownsville, while Castillo was processed at the jail. Both face third-degree felony charges for introducing prohibited substances into a correctional facility, as authorities continue to combat contraband in local jails.
Public SafetyPedestrian hospitalized after being struck by vehicle in Brownsville, DPS says
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A pedestrian is hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Medford Avenue in Brownsville early Monday morning, according to a Texas Department of Public Safety spokesperson. At approximately 6:20 a.m, DPS responded to the intersection of State Highway 4 and Medford Avenue to investigate an auto-pedestrian crash. DPS said
Public SafetySentenced to 10 Years for Cocaine Trafficking in the Rio Grande Valley
A man from Michigan was sentenced to 10 years (120 months) in federal prison after being found guilty of possession with intent to distribute 14 kilograms of cocaine. U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton issued the sentence, which includes an additional five years of supervised release upon completion of the prison term. The arrest occurred on May 9, 2023, when authorities intercepted the vehicle in which Burks was a passenger at a Border Patrol checkpoint in Sarita. Following a secondary inspection prompted by a K-9 unit alert, agents discovered 14.26 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a suitcase in the cargo area. Burks admitted to investigators that he agreed to travel to Texas in exchange for payment to assist in the purchase and transport of the shipment north. The driver of the vehicle, Walter Lee Houze, had already received a similar 10-year prison sentence in August 2025. Burks will remain in federal custody awaiting transfer to a permanent correctional facility.
Public SafetyHidalgo County Courthouse to Remain Closed Wednesday and Thursday Following Serious Crash
EDINBURG, Texas – The Hidalgo County Courthouse will remain closed to the public on Wednesday, September 2, and Thursday, September 3, as authorities continue to assess the damage caused by a vehicle that crashed into the entrance of the building. County officials announced on Tuesday that the decision was made after meeting with engineers and reviewing the structural damage. The courthouse will stay closed until authorities determine that the building is safe to reopen. Jurors are not required to appear. Those who had jury service scheduled or were to attend court on Wednesday or Thursday should not come to the building, according to Hidalgo County. However, members of the judiciary, court staff, and county employees will be allowed to enter to perform essential functions during the closure. Officials are continuing to coordinate with judicial authorities to determine how hearings, jury procedures, and other court operations affected by the closure will be handled. The county indicated that additional information regarding court schedules and jury service will be provided as it becomes available. The closure follows a vehicle crashing into the entrance of the Hidalgo County Courthouse in Edinburg, causing significant damage to the building.
Public SafetySuspect Arrested for Cattle Theft in Rio Grande City
The Animal Control Division of Rio Grande City executed an arrest warrant for Alejandro Hernández in connection with an alleged cattle theft case. The arrest was made following an investigation conducted by local authorities. The department reiterated its commitment to investigate violations of state and local laws to protect the community, property owners, and livestock in the region. It is important to remember that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Public SafetyDriver injured after crashing into RV in Donna, police say
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A driver was seriously injured after crashing into an RV in Donna Monday night, according to the Donna Police Department. On Aug. 31 at approximately 11:40 p.m., Donna police located the crash at RV Station on the 200 block of W. Expressway 83. Police say a red 2014 Ford Fusion left