Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyBREAKING: Investigation Underway for Bank Robbery in Brownsville
Authorities in Brownsville are investigating a robbery at the Chase bank located on Boca Chica Boulevard. Preliminary information indicates that the incident occurred at 9:35 AM. So far, one man has been detained, and there is no information about any injuries during the robbery. The scene remains active at this time, and a team from Noticias Telemundo 40 is on-site. We will provide more details as they become available in our news segments. This is a developing story.
Public SafetyFatal Shooting Occurs During ICE 'Selective Surveillance' Operation in Maine
Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that took place in Biddeford, Maine, during an operation related to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Monday. Police informed News Center Maine that Hill and Pool streets in Biddeford were closed due to 'an active crime scene.' Nearby resident Em Akerley told Telemundo New England that while having her coffee, she heard what sounded like a gunshot, initially thinking it was the noise of a vehicle. Akerley saw a small white car closely followed by two men who appeared to be trying to stop it as the vehicle seemed to lose control at the intersection. According to the Maine Attorney General's Office, a federal immigration officer was conducting an operation related to a final deportation order. Authorities state that the man attempted to flee in the vehicle toward the officer, who shot him fatally. The Attorney General's Office continues to investigate the incident, and the officer will be placed on administrative leave as part of the protocol for such incidents. The FBI's Boston office, which has jurisdiction over Maine, issued a brief statement to NBC10 Boston confirming its involvement in the shooting investigation. Senator Angus King, an independent from Maine, initially stated that the person who was shot was the target of an ICE operation, but later clarified that the victim, who has not yet been publicly identified, was not the intended target. The ICE agency issued a statement confirming that the shooting occurred during a selective surveillance operation involving an undocumented immigrant with a final deportation order. The victim has been identified by immigrant rights organizations as a 26-year-old Colombian man with work authorization in the U.S. Governor Janet Mills expressed her concern over the incident, and Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain called for a thorough investigation. Democratic Representative Chellie Pingree also sought answers about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Public SafetyLane reductions, scheduled road closures in Pharr Interchange
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Motorists traveling westbound on I-2 at the Pharr Interchange are advised to seek alternative routes due to a scheduled road closure. According to a news release, the closures will begin Sunday, July 12, as work crews will begin to work on the Jackson Road bridge area. The following schedule details the dates and areas
Vehicle theft suspect evades arrest following police chase from Pharr to Mercedes
A police pursuit of a stolen Chevy Colorado began in Pharr and ended in Mercedes on Sunday morning. The chase started around 7:30 a.m. after officers received a report of the vehicle theft. The Texas Department of Public Safety joined the pursuit, which concluded when the driver abandoned the truck in Mercedes and fled on foot. Despite a search of the area, authorities could not find the suspect. Fortunately, the stolen truck was recovered, and there were no reported injuries. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
McAllen police hold radio moment of silence in honor of two fallen officers killed six years ago
Six years have passed since McAllen police officers Edelmiro Garza Jr. and Ismael Chavez Jr. were tragically killed while responding to a domestic disturbance. The officers were ambushed as they approached a home in south McAllen, where the suspect opened fire before taking his own life. To honor their sacrifice, the McAllen Police Department observed a 38-second moment of silence on July 11, reflecting the date of the officers' deaths. Police Chief Victor Rodriguez emphasized the importance of recognizing the risks law enforcement faces daily in the community and beyond.
Public SafetyChilean Navy Member Runs Over Crowd at Fair; Six Dead
A tragic incident occurred in Viña del Mar, Chile, when a member of the Chilean Navy drove into a crowd at a fair, resulting in six fatalities and multiple injuries. The driver, who was off-duty and driving a private vehicle, reportedly lost control after a collision, according to witnesses. Authorities confirmed that he tested negative for alcohol. The local hospital reported five injured individuals, including two infants, all in stable condition. President José Antonio Kast expressed condolences and stated that state institutions are working to assist the victims and clarify the responsibilities surrounding this incident.
Public SafetyStolen truck chase ends in Mercedes, suspect at large
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Public Safety assisted Pharr police in a vehicle chase from Pharr to Mercedes early Sunday morning, after a call about a stolen truck, according to the City of Pharr. At approximately 7:30 a.m. Sunday, the Pharr Police Department responded to a call about a stolen Chevy Colorado
Public SafetyFire at Bangkok Pub Leaves at Least 27 Dead
A devastating fire engulfed a pub in Bangkok early Monday, resulting in at least 27 fatalities, according to local authorities. Many victims were discovered in the bathrooms at the back of the Na Ladprao pub. The fire was reported around midnight, with witnesses describing thick smoke and flames. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that several injured individuals have been hospitalized, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Previous incidents in Thailand have seen similar tragedies, including a 2022 pub fire that killed 14 and a 2009 New Year's Eve blaze that claimed 66 lives.
Public SafetyPharr to Mercedes Chase Ends with Suspect at Large
A police chase that began in Pharr and ended in Mercedes resulted in a suspect fleeing on foot. The incident occurred on Sunday morning, July 12, when Pharr police responded to a report of a stolen Chevy Colorado truck around 7:30 a.m. After locating the vehicle, the driver refused to stop, leading to a pursuit that lasted several kilometers. Texas Department of Public Safety officers joined the chase, but the suspect abandoned the truck and fled on foot when cornered. Authorities conducted an extensive search but did not find the individual. No injuries were reported, and the stolen truck was successfully recovered.
Public SafetyWell-Known Appliance Brand Recalls Over 12,000 Grills Sold at Walmart and Lowe’s
Conair has recalled approximately 12,660 Cuisinart Propel+ gas grills sold at Walmart and Lowe’s due to safety concerns. The issue involves the tempered glass window of the pizza oven, which may shatter during use. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported 37 incidents of glass breakage and one fire, but no injuries have been reported. The affected models, identified by the model number CGG-6331, were sold between December 2024 and May 2026. Customers are advised to check Conair's website to see if their grill is affected and to follow specific steps for safe disposal and reimbursement of $500.
A July 4 boat trip, an 18-year-old death and a family search for answers in the Deep South
Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old from Mississippi, died after a July 4 boat trip with friends to Horn Island. His body was discovered two days later, raising questions about the circumstances of his death. His parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, are demanding a thorough investigation, expressing skepticism over claims that he chose to stay behind. They have commissioned an independent autopsy and are seeking witnesses and video evidence. The case has drawn attention due to Mississippi's racial history, with support from figures like Tyler Perry and Colin Kaepernick. The family is concerned about the integrity of the investigation by local authorities.
Public SafetyTraffic stop in Cameron Co. leads to human smuggling arrest
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A traffic stop led to a human smuggling case in Cameron County, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Juan Garcia, of Garland, Texas, was arrested and is facing four counts of smuggling of persons, according to a DPS news release. On June 26, a DPS trooper attempted to conduct
Memorial for Harlingen teen killed in hit-and-run crash repeatedly vandalized, mother says
On July 9, the family of Harlingen teen Kayden Schwartz marked what would have been his 17th birthday at the site of his fatal hit-and-run accident. Kayden was killed last February while biking on FM 1846 in San Benito. His mother, Rebecca, expressed her grief and frustration over the memorial they created, which has been vandalized five times. Decorations have been destroyed, and inappropriate items have been left at the site. The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating, and the driver, Rodolfo Ruiz Jr., faces charges with a trial set for August 24. Rebecca hopes for justice for her son.
Teens charged after consuming alcohol at McAllen bar using fake IDs from Mexico, records say
Four minors were charged after drinking alcohol at a McAllen bar using fake Mexican IDs. The individuals, Eduardo Cervantes, Diego De Leon, Jorge Richaud, and a female minor, faced multiple charges, including public intoxication and misrepresentation of age. The incident occurred on July 3 at Sala De Despecho, where police responded to a report of a 17-year-old female found unresponsive in a restroom. She was treated by EMS and later hospitalized. During a bar check, officers discovered the minors with fake IDs and a receipt for their orders. They were taken into custody, and the IDs were collected as evidence.
Records: Tequila in the dressing room led to hospitalization and arrests in McAllen quinceañera
A couple from McAllen, Jose and Jeanett Garza, has been arrested for allegedly supplying alcohol to minors at their daughter's quinceañera on July 4 at the Windsor Event Center. Reports indicate that they stored tequila in a dressing room accessible to teenagers. A 15-year-old girl consumed tequila directly from the bottle, leading to severe illness and hospitalization. Another 15-year-old received a citation for underage drinking. McAllen Police emphasized the serious consequences of providing alcohol to minors, although they have not updated the public on the hospitalized teen's condition.
Harlingen teen hit-and-run memorial vandalized five times, mother says
DPS: Police chase ends in deadly crash near Edinburg
Public SafetyStolen vehicle pursuit ends in deadly crash near Edinburg: DPS
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A woman was pronounced dead on Friday after leading law enforcement on a pursuit in a stolen vehicle near Edinburg, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Pharr resident Crystal Ramirez, 32, died of her injuries sustained in the crash. The crash occurred at approximately 4:47 p.m. on Iowa Road
Public Safety11-week road closure in Mercedes for drainage project
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Precinct One Commissioner David L. Fuentes announced a scheduled road closure that will last approximately 11 weeks. According to a news release, the closure is scheduled to begin on Monday, Aug. 13, in the area of Mile 1 West between Mile 10 North and Mile 11 North in Mercedes,