Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyStarr County Sheriff’s Office Reports Cattle Located in RGC
In accordance with Section 142.009 of the Texas Agriculture Code, the Starr County Sheriff’s Office has issued an official estray notice. The official report is identified by Case Number 2026-01850 and was published on August 25, 2026. The notice pertains to the location of a bovine animal reported missing on August 20, 2026. According to official information provided by authorities, the animal was found on La Sagunada Rd., Rio Grande City, TX 78582. The animal is currently confiscated and being held at the Triple G Livestock Sale Yard, located three miles north on F.M. 755 in Rio Grande City, Starr County, Texas. The physical specifications of the animal are documented in the case file with attached photographs. The notification was formally issued and endorsed by Captain Lenard Fuentes and the Starr County Sheriff. Anyone who can prove legitimate ownership of the animal or has relevant information is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office or visit the designated holding facility.
Public SafetyMission man sentenced after confessing to beating wife
A 30-year-old man from Mission, Miguel Mariscal III, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated assault against his wife. The Hidalgo County District Attorney's Office reported that the victim suffered significant injuries, including trauma to her face and skull, as well as neurological damage. The incident was investigated after deputies found her unconscious at their home. Mariscal initially claimed he had blacked out after drinking, but later admitted to causing her injuries with an unknown object. The District Attorney emphasized the seriousness of the crime and the consequences of domestic violence.
Public SafetyWeslaco mother and daughters arrested after allegedly attacking Harlingen police officer during traffic stop
A mother and her two daughters from Weslaco were arrested after allegedly attacking a Harlingen police officer during a traffic stop on August 22. The stop occurred in a Walmart parking lot when the driver, Lily Mata, was found with an invalid license and no insurance. As officers attempted to arrest her, her daughter Gianna allegedly assaulted the officer, leading to a struggle. Laila, another daughter, reportedly tried to grab the officer's duty belt. All three women were taken into custody, facing various charges with bonds set at $2,500 for Lily, $50,000 for Gianna, and $25,000 for Laila.
Public SafetyBrownsville woman embezzled $750k from Harlingen cancer clinic after husband lost job, complaint says
A woman from Brownsville, Yuliana Perez, has been accused of embezzling over $750,000 from the Valley Cancer Associates clinic in Harlingen, where she worked as the HR finance director. Following her husband Eduardo Nava's job loss, she allegedly diverted funds to four personal accounts through 87 transactions, disguising them as legitimate expenses. The couple was arrested earlier this month, with Perez admitting to the theft and stating that her husband was initially unaware of her actions. Nava faces charges of theft by possession with a bond set at $45,000, and over $183,000 was found in his account.
Public SafetyMission man sent to prison for attacking wife
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Mission man was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to attacking his wife, who was left with severe neurological injuries, according to a news release from the Hidalgo County Judge's Office. Miguel Mariscal III, 30, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon against a family
Public SafetyWeslaco road closures in place due to highly active bees
Weslaco has implemented road closures due to the presence of highly active bees near the intersection of Pino Street and Plaza Street. City officials are advising residents to steer clear of the area until further notice. Those who must travel nearby are instructed to stay in their vehicles with windows closed. Residents in the vicinity are encouraged to keep pets indoors and limit outdoor activities. The Weslaco police and code enforcement departments are on-site to manage the situation and ensure public safety.
Public SafetyMother, 2 daughters arrested after Harlingen traffic stop leads to officer assault
A mother and her two daughters from Weslaco were arrested after allegedly assaulting a police officer during a traffic stop in Harlingen. The incident occurred on August 22 when a Harlingen officer stopped their vehicle for failing to signal a lane change in a Walmart parking lot. The driver, Lily Mata, was found with an invalid license and active warrants. As the officer attempted to arrest her, her daughter Gianna allegedly attacked the officer, while Laila attempted to grab the officer's duty belt. All three women were taken into custody, facing various charges with bonds set at $2,500, $50,000, and $25,000 respectively.
Public SafetyOvernight pavement repairs to shut down frontage road in Mission, Palmview
Overnight pavement repairs will lead to the closure of a section of the westbound I-2 frontage road in Mission and Palmview. The closure will occur from 9 p.m. on Monday until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, affecting the area between Taylor Road and FM 494 (Shary Road). Following this, from Tuesday to Thursday, paving work will move to the eastbound frontage road, between FM 492 and La Homa Road, also from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes such as Ware Road, U.S. Business Highway 83, or FM 494 (Shary Road).
Public SafetyInjuries reported in Raymondville-area crash
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — First responders are at the scene of a two-vehicle crash near Raymondville. The Willacy County Sheriff's Office reports that the crash occurred at the intersection of FM 490 and FM 1420 and caused injuries. The extent of the injuries is unknown. The Texas Department of Public Safety and EMS are at
Public SafetyMcAllen Police Investigate Homicide; Suspect in Custody
The McAllen Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on August 22, 2026, on Redwood Avenue. Officers responded to a 911 call about a disturbance involving a grandson, identified as 37-year-old Esai Longoria, who was reportedly not taking his medication for schizophrenia. Upon arrival, police found Longoria acting erratically and locked inside the home, where they discovered a female victim with stab wounds. Longoria is in custody and hospitalized, facing multiple charges including murder and assault on a peace officer. His arraignment in McAllen Municipal Court is pending, and the investigation is ongoing.
Public SafetyMother, daughters arrested after traffic stop leads to officer assault: Police
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A mother and her two daughters were taken into custody after a police officer was assaulted in a Walmart parking lot during a traffic stop, according to a Harlingen Police Department news release. Lily R. Mata was charged with driving while license invalid without financial responsibility; Gianna Salinas was charged with resisting
Public SafetyTigres, jewels, and 20 arrested: a blow against the Jalisco New Generation Cartel
Mexican authorities arrested 20 alleged members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) during simultaneous operations at 36 locations in the states of Hidalgo, Jalisco, and Michoacán, reported Omar García Harfuch, Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, on Monday. With these arrests and others made on August 19, a total of 32 individuals linked to this criminal organization have been detained in less than a week, according to the official's social media posts. 'The coordination between Defense, Navy, SSPC, FGR, and National Guard allowed for simultaneous actions at 36 locations in Hidalgo, Jalisco, and Michoacán, where 20 individuals linked to the CJNG were arrested,' García Harfuch stated. The operations took place between August 21 and 23 and were primarily aimed at members of the criminal group active in the border area between Jalisco and Michoacán, according to a statement from the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC). Authorities executed technical investigation orders at the 36 locations following intelligence and investigative work conducted by the institutions that make up the Security Cabinet.
Public SafetyMission Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison
A Mission man was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to assaulting a family member with a deadly weapon. Miguel Mariscal III, 30, entered his plea on Monday, August 24, 2026, according to the Hidalgo County District Attorney's Office. The case dates back to November 16, 2024, when deputies from the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office responded to a home in Mission after receiving an emergency call. Upon arrival, officers found Mariscal's wife unconscious and suffering from severe facial injuries. A medical evaluation revealed that the woman had sustained neurological injuries and strokes. Initially, Mariscal told investigators that he and his wife had been drinking and that he had lost consciousness, claiming he woke up to find his wife on the floor of the bedroom. However, as part of his guilty plea, Mariscal admitted to causing the serious injuries to his wife by hitting her with an unknown object. In addition to the 20-year prison sentence, the court determined that a deadly weapon was used and that there was family violence involved. The case was prosecuted by the Hidalgo County District Attorney's Major Crimes Unit and presided over by Judge Letty Lopez of the 389th District Court.
Public SafetyMcAllen man faces murder charge in stabbing death of woman: Police
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man is facing a murder charge after he allegedly stabbed a woman on Saturday night, according to the McAllen Police Department. Esai Longoria, 37, of McAllen, is facing charges of murder, resisiting arrest/search/transportation, assault on a peace officer and injury to an elderly person. At approximately 10:28 p.m. on Saturday, McAllen
Public SafetyRoads Closed in Weslaco Due to High Bee Activity in the Area
Weslaco city officials have issued a safety alert and closed streets due to a high activity of bees at the intersection of Pino and Plaza streets. Residents are advised to avoid the area and keep pets indoors. Traffic has been redirected to prevent incidents and ensure community safety. Drivers in the vicinity are urged to stay inside their vehicles with windows closed. The Weslaco Code Inspection and Police Departments are on-site working to secure the area. Authorities remind the public to drive carefully and follow instructions from personnel present in the area.
Public SafetyThree Women Arrested After Assaulting Officer During Traffic Stop
Three women from Weslaco were arrested by the Harlingen Police Department following a traffic stop incident on August 22, 2026, in a Walmart parking lot at 1801 W. Lincoln Ave. The driver, Lily R. Mata, was stopped for failing to signal a lane change and was found to have an invalid license and no insurance, along with active warrants. The situation escalated when her daughter, Gianna L. Salinas, allegedly pulled the officer's hair, leading to a physical struggle. Additional officers were called to assist. The women face multiple charges and bail amounts ranging from $2,500 to $40,000.
Public SafetyPolice Investigate Homicide Following Fatal Stabbing at McAllen Residence
McAllen police are investigating a homicide that occurred on August 22, 2026, at 10:28 p.m. in the 1500 block of Redwood Avenue. Officers responded to a 911 call regarding a domestic violence incident involving a schizophrenic man who had not taken his medication. Upon arrival, they found the suspect, 37-year-old Esai Longoria, acting erratically inside the home. They discovered 58-year-old Anna Marie Hidalgo with fatal stab wounds. Longoria is in police custody and hospitalized, facing charges of homicide, resisting arrest, assaulting an officer, and injury to an elderly person. The investigation is ongoing.
Public Safety"Help me, Mom": Man Stabbed to Death in Front of His Mother
NEW YORK — Authorities are investigating the stabbing death of a man near several businesses, including a laundromat, and in front of his mother’s home in Queens on Sunday night. According to the New York City Police Department, the incident occurred around 9:45 p.m. when officers received an emergency call about an assault in front of a property located at 220-20 Merrick Boulevard in the Laurelton neighborhood. There, they found José Scott, a 33-year-old man, who had multiple stab wounds and was transported to the hospital where he later died. "He just kept saying: help me, Mom," said the distraught mother about her son's final moments. It remains unclear who the victim was with or how the assault unfolded. Detectives remained at the scene for hours afterward to search for possible evidence.
Public SafetyTexas judge denies Karmelo Anthony request for new trial in deadly stabbing at track meet
A Texas judge has denied Karmelo Anthony's request for a new trial in the stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet. Anthony, 19, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison for the April 2025 incident. The judge's decision followed a two-day hearing, where he reviewed evidence but did not provide further details. Anthony's attorney announced plans to appeal, citing concerns over the trial's fairness and an agreement to exclude certain evidence. The case has drawn significant media attention, particularly due to its racial implications, although both sides maintained race was not a factor.