Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyFormer Captain Pleads Guilty to Drugging and Assaulting a Merchant Marine Cadet
NEW YORK — A former cargo ship captain pleaded guilty on Wednesday to drugging and raping a 21-year-old cadet from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, who was working on the vessel as part of the academy's 'Sea Year' training program. John Merrone, 53, entered his plea just as his trial was set to begin in federal court in Brooklyn. He admitted to having sexual intercourse with the cadet without her consent 'on the ship, in the middle of the ocean' after rendering her unconscious with an intoxicating substance in 2019. The jury had already been selected, and the woman, identified only as Jane Doe, was present in court waiting to testify. Prosecutors also planned to call other women as witnesses who have accused Merrone of sexual assaults over the past three decades. Generally, The Associated Press does not disclose the names of individuals who allege they have been sexually assaulted unless they agree to be identified. Merrone had previously been convicted of false imprisonment and battery after a waitress in the Florida Keys accused him of having sex with her against her will; however, an appeals court overturned the verdict, and prosecutors did not retry the case.
Public SafetyEdinburg Man Sent to Prison for 25 Years for Cyber Exploitation and Coercion of a Minor
A 20-year-old Edinburg man has been sentenced for distributing child pornography and coercion and enticement of a minor.
Public SafetyBody of man found in Donna, investigation underway
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Police are investigating after the body of a man was found in Donna on Wednesday. The body of a 34-year-old man was found off the 2400 block of Bonita St., according to Donna police Chief Gilbert Guerrero. Donna police say they received a call from the man's parents requesting a welfare
Public SafetyCBP Intercepts Live Parrots at Texas Border
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge in Laredo recently intercepted two live parrots hidden in a container during a wildlife smuggling attempt. The incident occurred on July 8 when a 26-year-old U.S. citizen attempted to enter the country on foot. Following a secondary inspection, the parrots were discovered in her belongings. CBP Agriculture Specialists identified the birds and contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A criminal investigation was initiated, and the woman was arrested. The parrots were handed over to USDA-VS for care.
Public SafetyFBI Found White Substance in Vehicle of Mexican Man Killed During ICE Operation
HOUSTON – The investigation into the death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo during an ICE operation in Houston continues to gather new elements. A search warrant presented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reveals that agents found several bags containing a crystalline white substance inside the deceased man's work truck. According to the affidavit, investigators believed the appearance and packaging of the substance were consistent with methamphetamine. The court document was filed on July 14 and is part of the investigation related to the shooting that occurred on July 7 in the Magnolia Park neighborhood of Houston. The FBI sought evidence related to possible drug offenses. According to the affidavit included in the search warrant, investigators requested authorization to search the truck for evidence linked to potential federal offenses related to possession and alleged distribution of controlled substances. The document states that four people were in the vehicle, including Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who was driving the truck at the time of the operation. According to the FBI's account, ICE agents attempted to stop the vehicle around 6:45 a.m. The statement claims that the driver did not stop and crossed a median in an apparent attempt to escape. Investigators assert that, following protocols, agents did not initiate a pursuit. They later located the truck again in the 6800 block of Canal Street, where they attempted a second stop. During that operation, an ICE agent shot Salgado Araujo, who died at the scene. The search warrant indicates that FBI agents visually inspected the vehicle from the outside before entering and observed several plastic bags containing a crystalline white substance. According to the document, three of those bags were on the center console, between the driver's and passenger's seats, while another similar bag was seen on the floor on the passenger's side. Subsequently, the FBI Evidence Response Team photographed the interior of the vehicle before authorities conducted a physical inspection. The search warrant states that investigators believed the appearance of the substance and the way it was packaged were consistent with methamphetamine, a drug classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. The document does not indicate whether there is a laboratory analysis confirming that the substance found is methamphetamine. The search warrant does not determine that a crime was committed. The FBI explained that it requested the court order to ensure that the vehicle search complied with all constitutional and legal requirements, although investigators believed there was already probable cause to inspect it. The document also does not establish that a crime was committed nor does it make conclusions about the criminal responsibility of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. The investigation into the shooting continues. Meanwhile, the investigation into the use of force during the operation remains open. The Department of Homeland Security maintains that the agent acted in self-defense after Salgado Araujo allegedly used the truck to try to run over an agent. This account has been rejected by the three passengers traveling with him. Through their attorney, they claim that ICE vehicles struck the truck first and that no agent was in front of the vehicle or at risk of being hit. They also assert that an agent approached from the passenger side, shouted 'Stop!' and then opened fire, fatally wounding Salgado Araujo. The Harris County District Attorney's Office, in cooperation with the City of Houston, is conducting an independent investigation to determine how the events unfolded. So far, federal authorities have not released videos of the incident. Additionally, it has been reported that the agents involved were not wearing body cameras and that the vehicles used during the operation also did not have dashboard cameras.
Public SafetyInvestigation Underway After Body Found in Donna
The Donna Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a deceased individual on Tuesday. The body was located near Salinas Boulevard. Following the report, law enforcement quickly arrived at the scene to secure the area and begin collecting initial evidence. So far, authorities have kept the victim's identity confidential, and no information regarding their name, age, or gender has been released. Additionally, the cause of death remains undetermined pending the results of the autopsy.
Public SafetyBorder Patrol Agents Catch Individual Using Fraudulent Documents in Laredo
U.S. Border Patrol agents at the Laredo North immigration checkpoint on Interstate 35 apprehended an individual using fraudulent identification documents during a Greyhound bus inspection on July 7. This incident highlights the agency's commitment to border security, as agents utilized advanced technology to identify inconsistencies in the documents. The individual, who was illegally present in the U.S. after crossing from Mexico, was taken into custody along with the fraudulent documents and a cell phone for further investigation. Federal charges are anticipated as the rise in identity fraud and document forgery continues to challenge border security efforts.
Public SafetyTxDOT: Lane closures at Edinburg intersection due to wire installation
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Transportation is alerting drivers of lane closures happening Thursday in Edinburg. The closures will be in effect at the intersection of State Highway 107 and Richardson Road throughout the day. Lanes will be closed to allow crews to install overhead wire at the intersection and may cause traffic to
Public SafetyDo You Drive a Subaru? Thousands of SUVs Recalled for Incorrect Weight Rating Label
Subaru of America is recalling over 541,000 SUVs, including the Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent, due to an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) label. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that this mislabeling could lead to vehicles being overloaded, increasing the risk of accidents. Although Subaru has not reported any related accidents or injuries in the U.S., they will send corrective labels to affected owners by mail or offer to install them at dealerships for free. Notifications are expected to begin in late August, and owners can check if their vehicle is affected on the NHTSA website.
Public SafetyEdinburg city truck rolls over on I-69C, temporarily closing northbound lanes
A rollover accident involving an Edinburg city solid waste truck led to the temporary closure of the northbound lanes of Interstate-69C. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Monday near the Russell Road overpass when the driver lost control, causing the truck to roll onto its left side. The driver was taken to the hospital for evaluation, but no other vehicles were involved in the crash. The northbound lanes were closed for a few hours but were reopened shortly after 10:30 p.m.
Public SafetyScheduled water interruptions along Texas Boulevard in Weslaco
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The city of Weslaco announced a portion of Texas Boulevard will experience a water interruption later this week. The scheduled water interruption will affect residents in Texas Boulevard to Iowa Avenue, and Frontage Road to Pike Boulevard. Interruptions will take place on 11 p.m., Wednesday, July 15 to 4 a.m., Thursday,
Public SafetyMission FD: Home damaged in morning fire, pet rescued
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A large portion of a Mission home sustained damage following a fire, according to the Mission Fire Department. At approximately 9:40 a.m. Mission fire crews responded to a structure fire in the Southwest area of Mission. According to Mission Fire Chief Mike Silva, when crews arrived, they found a large fire at
Public SafetyTexas to Receive Nearly $11M to Improve Crisis Intervention Programs
U.S. Senator John Cornyn announced that Texas will receive $10,973,066 in federal funding from the Department of Justice to enhance crisis intervention programs. This grant will support state and local initiatives, including expanding behavioral health crisis response and specialized court programs aimed at addressing factors that contribute to violence. The funding is part of the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program, established by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Cornyn co-authored. Cornyn emphasized that these resources will improve law enforcement training for responding to mental health crises and ensure continued support for treatment courts in Texas.
Public SafetyJalisco Cartel Declares War on Rival Groups in Mexico City
Members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in Mexico, have declared war on rival criminal groups in Mexico City, specifically Unión Tepito and the Tláhuac Cartel, according to a video released on social media this Tuesday. The video shows several hooded individuals armed with firearms and wearing vests with the initials CJNG in an unidentified location, while one of them reads a manifesto attributed to the criminal group. 'Notice to the entire population of Mexico City and the State of Mexico. We are coming for all the extortionists and floor collectors of Unión Tepito and the Tláhuac Cartel. Those fakes who claim to be from the company. Their gold mine is over,' said the alleged CJNG member reading the statement. This conflict aims to target 'all those who are extorting in our name,' he stated. 'We come to restore order, not to cause discomfort. We are the Jalisco New Generation Cartel,' he concluded.
Public Safety‘The signs cannot be ignored’: she survived 34 stab wounds and now warns other women
Heydi Morales recalls the attack that she claims nearly cost her life at the hands of her ex-partner. 'Everything he did was to kill me,' the woman said in an interview with Telemundo 51. Morales received 34 stab wounds in various parts of her body and, nearly a month after the assault, she continues to recover physically and emotionally. She recounted that during the year-long relationship, she never imagined she would become a victim of an attempted murder. 'We had a pretty healthy relationship. We got along well,' she said. However, over time, controlling behaviors began. Morales claims her then-partner constantly checked her, installed a GPS on her phone to track her movements, and frequently showed up at her workplace.
Public SafetyCBP Officers Arrest Wanted Child Sexual Assault Suspect in Brownsville
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge arrested Bryan Eduardo Alcala, a 20-year-old U.S. citizen, who was wanted by the Harlingen Police Department for child sexual assault. The arrest occurred on July 6 during a secondary inspection where biometric verification revealed an outstanding warrant against him. Port Director Tater Ortiz praised the vigilance of the officers, emphasizing their role in apprehending individuals with serious charges. Alcala has been handed over to the Harlingen Police Department for further action.
Public SafetyScared they might shoot u: Edinburg-area woman says nightclub gunfire is part of ongoing problem
A shooting outside El Antro Nightclub in Hidalgo County early Sunday has raised safety concerns among local residents. The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office received multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire near South Raul Longoria Road. A 20-year-old woman was hospitalized but is expected to recover; authorities confirmed she was not shot. Estela Campos, a nearby resident, expressed her fear of violence, stating that gunfire disrupts her family's peace and has previously damaged their mechanic shop. This incident follows a 2023 shooting at the same venue that injured seven people. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking information from the public.
Public SafetyA Kitten as an Accomplice? Man Attempts to Rob a Bank After Stealing a Kitten from Adoption
A man took a kitten from the adoption area of a pet store in Maryland and then allegedly tried to use it to rob a nearby bank. According to authorities, officers arrived at the scene within minutes, and the kitten, named Magnolia, emerged unscathed after the incident. Security footage shows a man in a light shirt and black hat entering the Pet Supplies Plus store on Baltimore Avenue in Beltsville. Seconds later, he ran out clutching a black and white kitten. Witnesses reported that he ran straight to the PNC bank located in the same shopping center. Stephanie Stullich, from the Beltsville Community Cats rescue group, was nearby when she received a call from a very alarmed store employee around 10:30 a.m. They informed her that someone had used a key hanging nearby to open the cat adoption area and take Magnolia, who is three months old. Stullich rushed to the scene. 'I immediately saw all those police cars and thought,
Public SafetyKitten as an Accomplice? Man Attempts Bank Robbery After Stealing Adoption Cat, Police Say
A man took a kitten from the adoption area of a pet store in Maryland and then allegedly tried to use it to rob a nearby bank. According to authorities, officers arrived at the scene within minutes, and the kitten, named Magnolia, emerged unscathed after the incident. Security footage shows a man wearing a light shirt and a black hat entering the Pet Supplies Plus store on Baltimore Avenue in Beltsville. Seconds later, he was seen running out with a black and white kitten in his arms. Witnesses reported that he ran straight toward the PNC bank located in the same shopping center. Stephanie Stullich, from the Beltsville Community Cats rescue group, was nearby when she received a call from a very alarmed store employee around 10:30 a.m. They informed her that someone had used a key hanging nearby to open the cat adoption area and take Magnolia, who is three months old.