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Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.

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Public Safety

Soldier Pleads Not Guilty to Using Information on Maduro Capture to Win Bets

NEW YORK — A U.S. Special Forces soldier pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to charges of using classified information about the mission to capture former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro to earn over $400,000 on the prediction market platform Polymarket. Gannon Ken Van Dyke, 38, entered the plea in a Manhattan federal court after being accused of illegally using confidential government information for personal gain, stealing non-public government information, commodities fraud, wire fraud, and conducting an illegal monetary transaction. He was released on a $250,000 bond, with travel restricted to certain parts of New York, North Carolina, California, and necessary routes between those locations.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 28, 2026
Public Safety

A leader in Jalisco New Generation Cartel arrested in Mexico

Audias Flores Silva, also known as “El Jardinero,” was detained in Nayarit, Mexico's secretary of security announced.

ValleyCentral (KGBT) · Apr 28, 2026
Public Safety

“We did everything we could that night”: Camp Mystic director apologizes

TEXAS – One of the directors of a Texas camp that was flooded in 2025 tearfully apologized on Tuesday to the families of the 25 campers and two counselors who died in the tragedy. “We did everything we could that night. It wasn’t enough to save your daughters,” said Edward Eastland, a member of the family that owns the camp. “I am deeply sorry.” Eastland’s apology came as dozens of the girls’ family members sat just a few feet behind him during the second day of a special legislative hearing investigating the devastating July 4 flood. A written report with the findings is expected later this year. Eastland recounted that he and his father, Richard Eastland, were at the camp that night and made a desperate attempt to save the girls when they realized the heavy rains had triggered a flood that swept through the camp along the Guadalupe River. Richard Eastland died in the flood, and Edward survived only after being carried to a tree. “These girls were our youngest campers and their incredible counselors, whom we watched grow up,” Eastland said. “The world was a better place with them, and the outrage against us for not being able to keep them safe is completely justified.” Britt Eastland, another director, stated that the camp will train counselors and conduct drills to prepare campers for floods, fires, tornadoes, and intruders. Legislative investigators noted on Monday that the lack of training at the camp was a critical issue that contributed to the deaths. “All of these things should have been done from the start,” said Senator Charles Perry. Camp Mystic is a Christian girls-only camp located along the Guadalupe River in Texas Hill Country. Its owners plan to reopen at the end of May and have said they will only use parts of the camp that were not flooded. They anticipate nearly 900 girls will be on campus this summer. These plans have angered the victims’ families, and some state officials have called for regulators to deny or delay the camp’s license renewal, which is under review. The Legislature will not reconvene until January 2027, and the panel does not have control over Camp Mystic’s license review.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 28, 2026
Public Safety

12-year-old McAllen student hospitalized after vaping substance laced with narcotics on school bus

KRGV (NBC 5) · Apr 28, 2026
Public Safety

Man charged after allegedly providing alcohol to minors at McAllen house party

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A McAllen man was arrested Monday after allegedly providing alcohol for minors during a house party, police reported. Miguel Ángel Herrera, 59, of McAllen, was charged with furnishing alcohol to a minor, a Class A misdemeanor. On April 11, at approximately 11 p.m., officers responded to the 7300 block of North

ValleyCentral (KGBT) · Apr 28, 2026
Public Safety

CBP Officers Seize more than $8.1M in Meth at Pharr International Bridge

Texas Border Business PHARR, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility intercepted $8.1 million in suspected methamphetamine concealed in a shipment manifested as tile.  On April 21, CBP officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility encountered a commercial tractor trailer traveling from Reynosa, Mexico. The vehicle was referred

Texas Border Business · Apr 28, 2026
Public Safety

Suspect in White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting Charged with Attempt to Assassinate the President

Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, was arraigned today in U.S. District Court on charges stemming from the April 25, 2026, shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.

Texas Border Business · Apr 28, 2026
Public Safety

Student detained, 12-year-old boy hospitalized after vaping on school bus: McAllen police

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — One male student was detained, and a 12-year-old boy required emergency care after vaping on a school bus, according to the McAllen Police Department. On April 22 at 7:34 a.m., officers received a report from the 1400 block of North 29th Street regarding a 12-year-old boy in a bus, vomiting and unconscious.

ValleyCentral (KGBT) · Apr 28, 2026
Public Safety

U.S. Consulate Issues Security Alert Over Roadblocks and Violence in Reynosa

The U.S. Consulate in Matamoros has issued a security alert following reports of violent criminal activity, including roadblocks, in the city of Reynosa, located in the state of Tamaulipas. Due to the situation, U.S. government employees are instructed to avoid the Reynosa area. Additionally, the U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4 travel advisory for Tamaulipas, urging individuals not to travel to the region due to risks of crime, kidnapping, and violence. Residents are advised to avoid the area, remain vigilant, and follow guidance from local authorities. Recommendations include avoiding high-risk areas, keeping a low profile, monitoring local media, and staying in contact with family regarding safety. Authorities also urge individuals to review personal security plans and call 911 in case of an emergency. For now, staying updated with official announcements is strongly advised.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 28, 2026
Public Safety

Ken Paxton Investigates CDL Schools Over Alleged Certifications for Unqualified Drivers

EL PASO, Texas – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced a statewide investigation into several commercial driving schools accused of endangering public safety by certifying commercial drivers who are allegedly unqualified and lack proficiency in English. According to an official statement released on April 28, the investigation focuses on potential violations of state and federal laws related to the training and certification of commercial driver’s license (CDL) operators. As part of the process, the Attorney General’s Office has issued Civil Investigative Demands to the following companies: - EP Texas Trucking School - Trucker Certified LLC - Fast Track CDL LLC - CDLCALL.COM LLC - Lindenwood Education System (Ancora) Federal regulations require CDL holders to be able to read, write, and speak English to communicate with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to authorities, and complete official reports. Additionally, state and federal laws mandate that schools ensure students are adequately prepared to safely operate commercial vehicles. Authorities indicated that preliminary findings suggest some schools are disregarding these requirements, including instances where applicants are reportedly informed that English proficiency is not necessary to complete their programs. Certain centers were also found to advertise services in Spanish, falsely present themselves as certified institutions, and offer accelerated training programs lasting as little as 20 days—far below the industry average of three to seven weeks. The Attorney General’s Office stated that these practices may violate the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and pose a significant risk to motorists and pedestrians. “Putting individuals who do not speak English behind the wheel of 18-wheelers can pose a serious threat to public safety,” said Attorney General Ken Paxton. “My office will thoroughly investigate these schools and take action to ensure that only qualified, English-proficient drivers operate commercial vehicles on our roads.” According to the statement, EP Texas Trucking School operates facilities in El Paso and Odessa; Trucker Certified has locations in Pampa, Amarillo, Plainview, and Borger; Fast Track CDL is based in Garland; CDLCALL is located in San Antonio; and Ancora’s headquarters are in Arlington. These schools supply drivers to transportation companies across the state, including major logistics hubs like Dallas–Fort Worth and Houston. The investigation is ongoing and is part of the state’s efforts to protect students and ensure road safety in Texas.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 28, 2026
Public Safety

Multi-Million Dollar Drug Load Found Hidden in Tiles at Pharr Border Bridge

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intercepted a shipment of methamphetamine valued at over $8.1 million on April 21 at the Pharr International Bridge. The discovery was made during an inspection at the cargo facility when a tractor-trailer arriving from Reynosa, Mexico, was flagged for irregularities in a shipment declared as tiles. With the assistance of a canine unit, authorities uncovered packages hidden within pallets containing white powder. Tests confirmed the substance was methamphetamine. In total, officers seized 200 packages weighing approximately 908 pounds. The drugs and the tractor-trailer were confiscated, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents have launched a criminal investigation.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 28, 2026
Public Safety

‘They Were Aware’: Former Jet Set Employee Claims Owners Knew About Nightclub’s Structural Issues

A former employee of the Jet Set Club nightclub, where 236 people died after the roof collapsed in 2025, testified on Monday before a judge that the establishment's owners were fully aware of the building's structural deterioration. 'Yes, they were aware, because I sent them photos, I sent them videos of all the problems there. This should never have happened; not a single person should have died there,' Gregory Adames stated during the final phase of the preliminary trial against siblings Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, owners of the nightclub. This testimony, presented in a case involving prosecutors and dozens of lawyers representing the affected families, worsens the legal situation for the business owners amid complaints from victims' families about delays and slow progress in the proceedings.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 28, 2026
Public Safety

Man Arrested After Being Found in Bed with 13-Year-Old in Texas

Authorities in Houston have arrested a 20-year-old man after he allegedly broke into a home and was discovered in a concerning situation with a minor. According to official reports, Isaac Mendoza López entered the residence, apparently through a window, and was found in bed with a 13-year-old. Court documents reveal that the suspect had been in contact with the minor for over a month, attempting to gain her trust before the alleged incident. The complaint states that the suspect initiated contact with the victim with the intent of engaging in sexual activity. Following his arrest, Mendoza López was charged with indecency with a child. His bond has been set at $70,000.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 28, 2026
Public Safety

12-Year-Old Hospitalized in McAllen After Inhaling Vape Pen

A 12-year-old student was rushed to the hospital after suffering a severe reaction from using a vape device while on his way to school in McAllen. The incident was reported from a school bus on April 22 at approximately 7:34 a.m. in the 1400 block of North 29th Street. Police stated that another student had provided the device to the minor. After using it, the student began acting unusually and was found unconscious and vomiting inside the bus. Emergency responders administered Narcan at the scene, but the child had to be transported to a hospital for further medical care. Preliminary investigations revealed that the device contained Benzylpiperazine (BZP), a substance classified as a drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) due to its high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use. The student who provided the device has been identified, detained, and now faces charges related to the incident, according to police. The case remains under investigation with support from state and federal agencies.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 28, 2026
Public Safety

Man Arrested for Allegedly Providing Alcohol to Minors in McAllen

The McAllen Police Department launched an investigation into the alleged distribution of alcohol to minors at a party. This followed a neighbor's report of shouting, arguments, and fights coming from the location. The incident was reported on April 11 at approximately 11:00 p.m. at a residence in the 7300 block of North 8th Street. Police stated that a 59-year-old man, identified as Miguel Ángel Herrera, denied officers access to the property, where they found between 40 and 50 minors at what was described as a 'house party' with loud music and alcohol consumption. After an investigation, a McAllen Municipal Court judge determined there was probable cause to issue an arrest warrant. Herrera was arrested on Monday, April 27, with a bond set at $1,500 and charged with a Class A misdemeanor. Herrera currently remains in custody at the Hidalgo County Jail.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 28, 2026
Public Safety

School Bus Accident on Highway 83; No Injuries Reported

On the morning of Tuesday, April 28, a school bus from Rio Grande City La Grulla ISD was involved in an accident on Highway 83 near the Loma Linda area. The district identified the vehicle as unit number 63. Despite initial concerns, it was confirmed that all students are safe, and no injuries were reported. The district also praised the swift response of emergency teams and staff on-site, which ensured the situation was handled promptly.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 28, 2026
Public Safety

Brownsville Police Department takes to the skies with new drone program

KRGV (NBC 5) · Apr 28, 2026
Public Safety

Palmview will soon have AI cameras scanning license plates for crimes

KRGV (NBC 5) · Apr 28, 2026
Public Safety

There nothing to stop us: Rio Grande City barbershop rebuilding after break-in

KRGV (NBC 5) · Apr 28, 2026
Public Safety

McAllen police search for man wanted on domestic violence charges

KRGV (NBC 5) · Apr 28, 2026