Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyEdinburg city truck rolls over on I-69C, closing northbound lanes
A rollover accident involving an Edinburg city solid waste truck occurred on northbound Interstate-69C near the Russell Road overpass around 6:30 p.m. on Monday. The driver lost control, causing the truck to overturn onto its left side across the main lanes. The driver was taken to the hospital for evaluation, but no other vehicles were involved in the incident. Initially, the northbound lanes were closed due to the crash, but they have since been reopened, according to a city spokesperson.
Public SafetyEverything is gone: Coutino Burgers & More owners displaced by Rio Grande City house fire
A house fire in Rio Grande City last Friday devastated the Coutino family, destroying their home and claiming their pets. Rafael and Veronica Coutino, who have lived on Aust Street for 12 years, now face an uncertain future for their restaurant, Coutino's Burgers & More. The fire, believed to have started in the laundry room, occurred while the couple was two miles away at work. They are currently staying with a relative in Pharr and may need to relocate if they can't find a rental in Rio Grande City soon. A GoFundMe has been established to assist them during this difficult time.
Public SafetyCity truck rollover crash causes closure on Interstate-69C in Edinburg
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The northbound lanes of I-69C are closed until further notice due to a rollover crash involving a city of Edinburg solid waste truck. The crash reportedly happened at 6:30 p.m. on Monday right before the Monte Cristo Road exit in Edinburg. Police said the truck was traveling northbound on the interstate
Public SafetyCouple arrested after teens drank tequila 'directly from bottles' at quinceañera: Docs
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A teen confessed to officers that she and the quinceañera drank tequila "directly from the bottles," which led to the arrest of a couple during their daughter's 15th birthday party, according to an offense report obtained by ValleyCentral. Jeanett Garza, 43, and Jose Garza, 44, were each charged with two counts
Public SafetyICE Harlingen office sets record with 238 arrests in a single day, agency says
The ICE office in Harlingen achieved a record with 238 arrests in one day on June 18, 2026, targeting individuals suspected of being in the U.S. illegally. Among those detained were individuals with serious convictions, including attempted kidnapping, sexual battery, and drug offenses. Notable arrests included Manuel Morales-Geronimo, linked to the Paisas gang, and others with various criminal backgrounds. The operation involved collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement, and those arrested may face further charges for illegal reentry into the U.S. Details on the majority of the arrests remain undisclosed.
Public SafetyMcAllen police officers killed in 2020 domestic disturbance call honored
On July 11, the McAllen Police Department commemorated the six-year anniversary of the deaths of Officers Edelmiro Garza Jr. and Ismael Chavez Jr., who were killed in an ambush while responding to a domestic disturbance in south McAllen. The officers were shot by a suspect who later took his own life. During a radio moment of silence lasting 38 seconds, Police Chief Victor Rodriguez emphasized the sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel for community safety. This tribute serves as a reminder of the risks faced by officers in McAllen, Texas, and across the United States.
Public SafetyVehicle theft suspect at large following police chase in Hidalgo County
A police chase in Hidalgo County began Sunday morning when officers responded to a report of a stolen Chevy Colorado in Pharr. The pursuit, which started around 7:30 a.m., continued to Mercedes, where the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Despite a search of the area by law enforcement, the suspect remains at large. The Texas Department of Public Safety assisted in the chase, and the stolen truck has been recovered without any reported injuries. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
Public SafetyOil leak leads to expressway car fire near Donna
An oil leak caused a car fire on Expressway 83 near Donna on Saturday, July 11. The Donna Police Department responded to the incident in the 600 block of East Expressway 83, where they found a 2010 gray Chevrolet Traverse fully engulfed in flames. The driver, Raul Cepeda Jr., was en route to deliver the vehicle to its owner in Mercedes when he noticed significant oil dripping. He pulled over safely and exited the vehicle as flames erupted from the engine. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Public SafetyWoman hospitalized following nightclub shooting near Edinburg, Hidalgo County Sheriff Office investigating
The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting incident that took place early Sunday morning outside El Antro Nightclub on South Raul Longoria Road. At approximately 12:50 a.m., deputies responded to multiple 911 calls and found a woman with non-life-threatening injuries. Although she was hospitalized, authorities confirmed she was not shot, but the nature of her injuries has not been disclosed. The investigation is still ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office at 956-383-8114 or Crime Stoppers at 956-668-8477.
Public SafetyRoad work prompting night closures on Interstate 2 in Mercedes
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The Texas Department of Transportation is alerting drivers of overnight lane closures happening this week in Mercedes. The overnight closures will be in effect on westbound lanes of Interstate 2 between Mile 1 Road and International Boulevard. The affected roadway will be closed for pavement repairs from 9 p.m. to 6
Public SafetyMayor Shot Dead in the Mexican State of Oaxaca; He Was a Community Leader
The mayor of San Miguel Yogovana in the Mexican state of Oaxaca was shot dead early Sunday while conducting surveillance outside a residence, according to a statement from the state Attorney General's Office on Monday. Authorities reported that the mayor, identified as Eduardo Saavedra López, 65, was attacked with firearms by a group of individuals who have already been identified and are being sought by Oaxaca's security forces. Local media indicated that the deceased was a prominent community leader in San Miguel Yogovana, located in the municipality of Miahuatlán de Porfirio Díaz in the Sierra Sur region of Oaxaca. The identities of the assailants have not yet been made public. 'The victim was conducting surveillance when he noticed two motorcycles parked outside a residence. Upon requesting police support to verify the status of the vehicles, the alleged owners emerged from the house in an aggressive manner and attacked the victim with firearms, resulting in his death at the scene,' explained the Attorney General's Office of Oaxaca. Forensic experts were able to identify the property and confirm that the motorcycles in question belong to the suspects in the fatal attack, who are currently wanted.
Public SafetyICE Harlingen sets record with 238 arrests including alleged gang member
On June 18, 2026, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Harlingen made a record 238 arrests in the Rio Grande Valley for illegal immigration. Among those apprehended were individuals with serious criminal records, including attempted kidnapping, sexual battery, and drug offenses. Notably, Manuel Morales-Geronimo, an alleged member of the Paisas gang, was arrested for multiple charges, including assault and illegal reentry. Other detainees included Jose Alfredo Castillo-Mendoza, Fernando Leonel Perez-Torres, and Noe Tinoco Perez, all with various convictions. The operation involved collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Public SafetyHidalgo County Sheriff Office investigate shooting in rural Edinburg that injured a woman
The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is looking into a shooting that took place early Sunday morning in rural Edinburg. The incident occurred around 12:50 a.m. in the 5100 block of South Raul Longoria Road, following multiple 911 calls. Deputies arrived on the scene to find a woman who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. She was subsequently transported to a local hospital for care. The investigation remains active, and authorities are encouraging anyone with information to reach out to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office at 956-383-8114 or Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers at 956-668-8477.
Public SafetyOil leak leads to car fire on expressway near Donna
An oil leak caused a car fire on Expressway 83 near Donna on Saturday, July 11. The Donna Police Department responded to the incident in the 600 block of East Expressway 83, where they found a 2010 gray Chevrolet Traverse in flames. The driver, Raul Cepeda Jr., was en route to deliver the vehicle to its owner in Mercedes when he noticed oil leaking heavily. He safely pulled over and exited the car as flames erupted from the engine. Firefighters quickly arrived and extinguished the fire, with no injuries reported.
Public SafetyBrownsville police arrest suspect following Chase Bank robbery
The Brownsville Police Department is investigating a robbery that occurred at a Chase Bank on Boca Chica Boulevard around 9:35 a.m. on Monday. Officers arrested 45-year-old Eliud Escobedo, who allegedly stole $5,000 in cash. The stolen money was recovered during his arrest, and Escobedo is awaiting arraignment on a felony charge. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the investigation remains active.
Public SafetyRauw Alejandro's Dancer Goes Missing in Miami: Here's What We Know
A Miami dancer who has performed with artists like Rauw Alejandro and Rosalía has been reported missing, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office. Michael-Anthony Leones Espino, known as 'Mykee' among friends and on social media, was last seen on Sunday around 12:30 p.m. leaving the 14200 block of Southwest 161st Court in Miami. Leones Espino, who goes by @mykeemooves on TikTok and Instagram, has nearly 80,000 followers on both platforms. Videos show him backstage and preparing for Rauw Alejandro's Cosa Nuestra tour, which concluded in November 2025. In other videos, he is seen on stage with the artist during his Saturn tour and appears alongside him in a music video for the song Touching The Sky. Puerto Rican artist Rauw Alejandro shared a photo of Leones Espino's missing person flyer on his Instagram stories. The sheriff's office has urged the community to 'exercise caution when coming into contact with the missing person.' No details have been provided regarding the circumstances of his disappearance. Anyone with information should contact the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office at 305-715-3300 or 305-715-3214. They can also call CrimeStoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).
Public SafetyWoman injured in rural Edinburg shooting, investigation underway: Sheriff
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is investigating an early Sunday morning shooting in rural Edinburg. According to a news release from HCSO, at approximately 12:10 a.m. Sunday, deputies responded to shots fired in the 5100 block of South Raul Longoria Road after receiving multiple 911 calls. Responding deputies found a woman who
Public SafetyChase bank robbery in Brownsville under investigation, suspect in custody
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department is investigating a bank robbery that was reported Monday morning. According to a news release from Brownsville police, a call regarding a bank robbery came in at approximately 9:45 a.m. at Chase Bank, located at the 2300 block of Boca Chica Boulevard. Responding officers found a person
Public SafetyThe Veronica O’Caña Trial: What to Know
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A real estate broker from Mission is scheduled for trial Monday afternoon on bribery, money laundering and witness tampering charges. Here’s what we know about Veronica Inez O’Caña, 50, of Mission and the case against her: Who is Veronica O’Caña? Veronica O’Caña is a real estate broker from a well-known family.