Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyTraffic delay reported in San Juan after vehicle crash
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The City of San Juan issued a traffic advisory Friday afternoon due to a vehicle crash on the expressway. The crash occurred on the expressway near the westbound Raul Longoria Road exit, in front of the Basilica of San Juan. ValleyCentral crews are at the scene. Five vehicles appeared to be involved
Public SafetyDPS Highlights Airborne Radiation Detection Capabilities
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is showcasing its airborne radiation detection capabilities through its Aircraft Operations Division (AOD). This program utilizes advanced sensors on helicopters to identify radiological and nuclear threats, enhancing security during major events like FIFA matches in Houston and Dallas. The technology, acquired via a federal grant, allows for real-time data transmission, enabling swift assessments of large areas. As the program expands, DPS plans to deploy this technology on additional helicopters, bolstering Texas's ability to respond to homeland security threats effectively.
Public Safety19-year-old pleads guilty in deadly human smuggling attempt in Laredo
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A 19-year-old Mexican man pleaded guilty to his role in a fatal human smuggling attempt in Laredo, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office Southern District of Texas. Gerardo David Zarate Martinez admitted he participated in the human smuggling scheme for money, according to the release. On Jan. 8,
Public SafetyCourt Sentences Man to Federal Prison After Shooting Eagle in Backyard
Santos Guerrero, a 43-year-old resident of Porter, Texas, has been sentenced to 14 days in federal prison and fined $5,000 for shooting a bald eagle in his backyard on October 11, 2024. Guerrero pleaded guilty on May 14 and was found to have hidden the eagle in his garage after the incident. Authorities discovered the injured bird, which was later euthanized due to severe injuries. Although bald eagles are no longer endangered, they are protected under federal law. Guerrero will remain on bond until he reports to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
Public SafetyMore than 1,000 pounds of meth found in laundry detergent shipment at Roma bridge
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found more than 1,000 pounds of methamphetamine hidden within a shipment of laundry detergent at the Roma International Bridge. The seizure happened Aug. 11 when an officer referred a 2012 tractor-trailer hauling laundry detergent for an inspection. A scan of the trailer revealed anomalies, CBP
Public SafetyMultiple Vehicle Collision Involves Six Cars in San Juan
This afternoon, a vehicle accident involving six cars was reported. The San Juan Police Chief informed Telemundo 40 that there were no serious injuries. If you experienced delays while traveling on I-2 in San Juan, it was due to crews removing debris from the accident and closing lanes to allow tow trucks to work safely. Authorities report that the road has been reopened to traffic.
Public SafetyWoman Wanted in Connection with Husband's Death, a Police Officer
A woman sought for several days in connection with the death of her husband, Worcester Police Officer Kurt Solomon, is now wanted for assault and injuries with a dangerous weapon, police reported on Friday. The search for Karen Solomon remained focused on Coes Pond: its parks were closed on Friday, as was the historic Stearns Tavern, amid the large-scale investigation. Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier stated that a reverse 911 call would be made Friday afternoon as part of the operation.
Public SafetyEdinburg Municipal Court to Host Mobile Outreach Docket, Sept. 18th
The Edinburg Municipal Court is organizing a Mobile Outreach Docket on September 18, 2026, at the El Tule Recreational Center, located at 700 S. Veterans Blvd. This event will run from 2 to 7 p.m. and is aimed at residents with outstanding tickets or warrants, particularly for Class C misdemeanors like traffic citations. Participants can pay fines or set up payment plans without the fear of arrest. For further details, residents can contact the court at (956) 318-8819 or (956) 289-7797.
Public SafetyLamar Elementary in Harlingen evacuated after fire alarm activated
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Lamar Elementary was evacuated after a fire alarm was activated Friday morning, according to a spokesperson for the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District. Students and staff are safe. The Harlingen Fire Department responded promptly and cleared the school for safe re-entry. Regular school operations have returned to normal.
Public SafetyOver $9M in Methamphetamine Discovered Concealed in Detergent Cargo at Roma Port
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Roma Port of Entry intercepted over $9 million worth of methamphetamine during an enforcement action on August 11. The drugs were discovered in a 2012 tractor trailer that was initially carrying laundry detergent. A scan revealed irregularities, leading to the discovery of 240 packages containing 485.78 kilograms of meth. The estimated street value of the drugs is $9,573,752.24. The driver and the trailer were handed over to the Roma Police Department for a criminal investigation. Port Director Andres Guerra emphasized the commitment to border security and community safety.
Public SafetyFire Reported at Lamar Elementary School in Harlingen
On the morning of Friday, August 21, around 8:45 a.m., authorities responded to a reported fire at Lamar Elementary School in Harlingen after a teacher detected smoke in a classroom. All students were evacuated safely, according to a post by the Harlingen Police Department on their Facebook page. The Harlingen Fire Department and Police Department responded to the call. Authorities determined that the fire originated in an air conditioning unit. The fire was controlled and the building ventilated. Students are expected to return to classes shortly. So far, no injuries have been reported.
Public Safety11 Arrested on Cruises, Accused of Distributing Child Abuse Material
Federal authorities arrested 11 foreign nationals after boarding two cruises in Boston, accusing them of receiving and distributing child sexual abuse material and child sexual exploitation material. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported on Thursday that the arrests took place during an operation conducted from Friday to Sunday. The Volendam, operated by Holland America Line, and the Norwegian Breakaway, operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, were the ships involved. Nine of those arrested are citizens of the Philippines, while one is from Indonesia and another from Nicaragua.
Public SafetyHarlingen police charge man in connection with wife $750K clinic embezzlement case
Eduardo Nava, a Brownsville resident, has been charged in connection with a $750,000 embezzlement case involving his wife, Yuliana Perez. On August 18, he turned himself in to Harlingen police after investigators linked his bank account to the scheme. Perez, the former HR finance director at Valley Cancer Associates, was arrested on August 4 for allegedly diverting funds to her personal accounts over nearly a year, starting in May 2025. Police reported that she disguised fraudulent transactions as legitimate expenses. Nava is facing a theft by possession charge, with a bond set at $45,000.
Public SafetyRecords: Former Harlingen cancer clinic finance director stole more than $750K from business
Yuliana Perez, a 40-year-old woman from Brownsville, is accused of stealing over $750,000 from Valley Cancer Associates in Harlingen while serving as the finance director. The theft occurred through 87 fraudulent transactions between May 2025 and April 2026, diverting funds to her personal accounts disguised as legitimate business expenses. The scheme was uncovered when discrepancies in her W-2 tax documents were noted by Dr. Mark Harrison, the clinic's owner. Perez was fired on April 9, 2026, and arrested on August 4, 2026, with a bond set at $100,000. She is currently not listed in jail records.
Public Safety8-year-old student brought loaded gun to school, Brownsville ISD says
An 8-year-old student brought a loaded handgun to Aiken Elementary School in Brownsville, prompting a lockdown. The Brownsville ISD Police reported that the gun was found in the child's waistband after a classmate alerted a coach. Authorities stated the child did not intend to use the weapon harmfully, as it was reportedly brought out of curiosity. The gun belonged to the child's parent, who has been charged with making a firearm accessible to a minor. School officials are urging parents to secure firearms and check their children’s belongings for safety. Counseling support is available for students affected by the incident.
Public SafetyStarbase Police Department prepares for launch
STARBASE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Starbase Police Department is preparing for launch. Starbase began soliciting applications for two police sergeants and six officers in August. They will report to police Chief Glenn Bennett, who accepted the job in June. “I’m confident we’ll have a wonderful team,” Bennett said. “We just have to sort through all
Public Safety'We’ve never done anything wrong': Port Isabel father fears for family amid unmarked vehicles
PORT ISABEL, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Port Isabel father says he never imagined he would be afraid to leave his own home. Now, he says his family is considering leaving the country after what he describes as a frightening encounter involving an unmarked vehicle near his children’s school. The father, who asked us not to
Public SafetyArmy resumes Apache helicopter training missions after Texas crash that killed 2
The U.S. Army announced the resumption of Apache helicopter training missions following a temporary halt after a crash near Fort Hood, Texas, that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers. The crash, which occurred on August 12, is currently under investigation. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey, 34, and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead, 25, were the only individuals aboard the helicopter when it crashed in a field near Salado. The Army emphasized that the decision to resume training followed a thorough review of safety protocols. The Apache helicopter has been a key component of Army aviation since 1984.
Public SafetyDPS searching for driver in deadly hit-and-run motorcycle crash near Elsa
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is investigating a fatal hit-and-run motorcycle accident that occurred early Thursday near Elsa. The incident took place just before 5 a.m. on FM 88, south of Mile 20 in Hidalgo County. Elias Cruz, a 55-year-old motorcyclist from Edinburg, was riding a Harley-Davidson when he slowed to turn into a private drive. A gray Dodge Durango struck him from behind and fled the scene. Cruz was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. DPS is asking anyone with information about the driver to call 956-565-7600.