Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyDPS searches for driver accused in fatal hit-and-run near Elsa
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Public Safety is searching for a driver accused of being involved in a deadly hit-and-run crash that occurred early Thursday morning north of Elsa. The crash occurred at approximately 4:57 a.m. on FM 88, south of Mile 20 and north of Elsa in Hidalgo County, according to
Public SafetyDPS Investigates Fatal Accident in Elsa
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is investigating a fatal accident involving a motorcyclist and a pickup truck. This occurred on Thursday, August 20, around 4:57 a.m. on FM 88, south of Mile 20, north of Elsa in Hidalgo County. Preliminary investigations indicate that a motorcyclist riding a Harley-Davidson northbound on FM 88 slowed down to turn into a private driveway. A gray Dodge Durango was traveling behind the motorcycle, and the driver was unable to control the speed of the vehicle, colliding with the motorcycle. The Harley-Davidson rider was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Meanwhile, the driver of the Dodge Durango did not stop to assist the victim and fled the scene. The Dodge Durango was located by state agents at Mile 19, east of FM 88 and south of the crash site. This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is urged to contact the DPS at (956) 565-7600. Authorities stated that more information will be provided once the victim's family has been notified.
Public SafetyThis Young Man is Causing Panic with a Horror Mask: Believed to Have Fled to Another State
The masked individual who terrorized people in the early morning hours in Center City, Philadelphia, has been identified. Authorities have named him as 22-year-old Zymire Hughes, who remains at large after chasing and harassing around twenty individuals near City Hall and JFK Boulevard while filming the incidents on August 12, 2026. Police believe Hughes fled Pennsylvania to California or Nevada. An arrest warrant is out for him. Hughes faces charges including terroristic threats, simple assault, and other offenses. One woman reported that the suspect not only chased her while she was exercising but also asked if she was ready to die. If you recognize him, take a good look. Anyone with additional information can contact the Philadelphia Police tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
Public SafetyBody Found in Bag at Texas Home; Victim's Son Charged
EL PASO, Texas – A 29-year-old man has been arrested and charged with killing his own father after authorities discovered the body of a 59-year-old man in a plastic bag inside a home in west El Paso. A second person was also detained for allegedly helping to conceal the body and clean the scene. The El Paso police identified the victim as David Edward De Coste, 59. According to police, the incident occurred on August 18 at a residence located in the 6800 block of Villa Hermosa. Arrest documents reveal that officers responded to the home around 3:00 p.m. after receiving a report of a strong odor coming from the residence and found a body wrapped in plastic in the garage. During an initial safety inspection, officers detected signs that there were other people inside the house, although they were not located immediately. The perimeter was secured, and support from the SWAT team and Crisis Management Team was requested. Later, John Michael De Coste, 29, and Idalia De La Torre, 28, were located and detained. De La Torre told investigators that she began living with the accused and the victim on August 2. During her interview, she claimed that on several occasions she and the victim kissed when the accused was not home. She recounted that on an unspecified date, the victim entered her room and began kissing her. Shortly after, the accused entered the room and observed the situation, leading to a discussion that escalated into a physical altercation between the two men. In an interview with detectives, the accused stated that he came out of the shower and found the victim kissing De La Torre. According to his account, the victim was intoxicated and said he would go get a firearm from his room. The accused claimed he followed him, pushed him, and the victim fell to the ground, hitting his head. He also admitted to slapping and kicking him while he was on the floor. The accused stated that he checked on the victim periodically throughout the night and found him the next day without signs of life. He acknowledged not calling authorities because he had an outstanding arrest warrant. Documents also indicate that the accused allegedly ordered a body bag through Amazon days after the death. According to statements obtained by investigators, De La Torre helped him place the body in the bag and move it to the garage, as well as clean the area where the body was found using various cleaning products. The autopsy revealed blunt force trauma and a subdural hematoma in the skull. Preliminary results determined that the cause of death was homicide, according to the documents. Authorities reported that John Michael De Coste has been charged with murder and is being held without bail. De La Torre faces a charge of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, with bail set at $150,000. The Crimes Against Persons Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this case.
Public SafetyJudge to Consider New Trial for Karmelo Anthony in Texas Homicide Case
A judge in McKinney, Texas, will decide on Thursday whether to grant a new trial for 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony, who was convicted of murder this summer for the stabbing death of 17-year-old athlete Austin Metcalf during a school track competition. The judge who oversaw Anthony's trial was removed from the case, and Judge Michael Chitty will review the defense's request for a retrial. Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison. His lawyers argue that the original trial was flawed due to strict courtroom rules and inadequate jury instructions. The case gained national attention partly due to racial dynamics, as Anthony is Black and Metcalf was White.
Public SafetyWATCH: Mission family responds to new details in deadly officer-involved shooting
A Mission family is set to respond publicly to new information regarding the officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of 39-year-old Juan Osornio. The incident occurred on August 16 around 12:04 a.m. on Oblate Avenue when police responded to a report of a person in distress. Officers shot Osornio after he allegedly approached them while armed with a knife. Mission Police Chief Cesar Torres stated that all actions taken during the incident will be thoroughly reviewed. The family disputes the police account, claiming Osornio was tased without warning before the shooting. A press conference is scheduled for August 19 at 3:30 p.m.
Public SafetyMexico Arrests Suspect in Kidnapping of 'El Mayo' Zambada Leading to His Extradition to the U.S.
Mexican authorities arrested a suspect in connection with the 2024 kidnapping of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, a former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, who was later sentenced to life in prison in the U.S. for drug trafficking. The suspect, identified only as Fausto "N," allegedly accompanied local politician Héctor Cuén to the meeting where Zambada was abducted. Cuén was murdered the same day. The federal prosecutor's office accuses Fausto "N" of covering up Cuén's murder and providing false statements. This incident has strained relations between Mexico and the U.S., with accusations against several Sinaloa officials for drug trafficking ties.
Public Safety'A significant increase': FBI warns of growing threat targeting children online
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The FBI is warning parents about a growing threat targeting children online, with officials saying some victims are as young as 10 years old. Joe Pena Jr., the FBI’s assistant special agent in charge of the San Antonio-South Texas Branch, says agents are seeing a significant increase in children being targeted
Public SafetyWeapon recovered at Brownsville elementary school
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Aiken Elementary School in Brownsville is "safe and secure" after a weapon was found on campus on Wednesday, according to Isabel A. De La Cruz, a spokesperson for the Brownsville Independent School District. De La Cruz did not disclose the type of weapon that was recovered. "There was never an ongoing
Public SafetyMexican National Pleads Guilty in Fatal Human Smuggling Operation
Gerardo David Zarate Martinez, a 19-year-old illegal alien, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to a fatal human smuggling operation. He admitted to transporting three illegal aliens into the U.S. for financial gain. The incident occurred on January 8 when authorities pursued a white SUV in Laredo, which crashed into a utility pole after running several red lights. Two passengers in the vehicle were found dead. Zarate Martinez faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $250,000 fine, with sentencing scheduled for November 10. He remains in custody pending that hearing.
Public SafetySharyland Water Supply outage leaves Alton customers with questions
Sharyland Water Supply has restored water service to customers in Alton after several days of outages, particularly affecting those at North Glasscock Road and 5 Mile Line. Local business owner Esther Monsivais expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding the outages, which began Thursday evening and lasted until Sunday. Monsivais and her family faced difficulties, having to travel to their home in Mission for basic needs. Despite the water being restored, Monsivais is concerned about future outages and the absence of timely notifications from the water provider, which reported that 35 customers were affected during this incident.
Public SafetyThey just tased him. They started firing: Mission woman speaks out after brother killed in officer-involved shooting
The family of Juan Osornio, who was shot and killed by police in Mission, TX, is seeking answers about the incident. According to the Mission Police Department, officers responded to a report of a man with a knife who approached them. Osornio's sister, Blanca, recounts that her mother was home during the incident and described a chaotic scene where police tased her brother without warning before opening fire. The family is questioning who called the police, as they believe no one from their home made the call. The six officers involved have been placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues.
Public SafetyWeslaco billing third-party contractors after three water line breaks in one day
Weslaco is seeking reimbursement from third-party contractors after they accidentally damaged underground water lines three times in a single day while installing fiber optic cables on August 12. The city halted all work following the incidents and is currently assessing the water loss and labor costs incurred. Over 20 city employees were involved in the repairs, which Mayor Adrian Gonzalez noted disrupted regular city operations. To prevent future incidents, the city is conducting pre-construction meetings to ensure contractors are aware of the locations of existing water lines before resuming any work.
Public SafetyCBP Seizes More than $14M in Meth at Pharr International Bridge
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Pharr International Bridge seized nearly $15 million in methamphetamine hidden in a shipment labeled as fresh celery. The discovery occurred on August 15 when a tractor trailer from Reynosa, Mexico, was subjected to a secondary inspection using advanced scanning technology. Officers found 721 packages of meth weighing a total of 1,675.51 pounds (760 kg). Port Director Carlos Rodriguez emphasized the effectiveness of combining human expertise with technology in combating drug smuggling. The narcotics and the vehicle were seized, and a criminal investigation by Homeland Security is underway.
Public SafetyNarcoblockades in Michoacán: Nine Members of a Criminal Group Captured
MEXICO CITY – Federal forces detained nine alleged members of a criminal organization on Wednesday in Michoacán, western Mexico, including the daughter and partner of a regional leader, during an operation that resulted in more than twenty road blockades and the burning of vehicles at various locations throughout the state. Through its social media channels, Mexico's Security Cabinet reported that among those arrested are Marisol 'N' and Lourdes 'N', identified as the daughter and romantic partner, respectively, of Heraclio 'N', alias Tío Lako, who authorities have identified as a regional leader of a criminal organization in Michoacán and Jalisco. The authorities did not identify the organization to which the detainees belong, but Mexican media link 'Tío Lako' to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the most powerful drug trafficking groups in the country with a strong presence in Michoacán.
Public SafetyGrand Jury Does Not File Charges Against Driver Involved in Alamo Accident
McALLEN, Texas — A grand jury has decided not to file charges against José Fidencio Luna Ramírez, the driver who was arrested in connection with an accident in Alamo that left several people injured. However, Luna Ramírez remains in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to his wife, who spoke to Telemundo 40. "Yesterday I received the great news that the case was presented to the grand jury and they issued a 'no bill.' He is cleared, with no charges," said Sindia Robles, Luna Ramírez's wife, during an interview with Telemundo 40. A 'no bill' means the grand jury determined there was not enough probable cause to issue a formal indictment in the case. Despite the grand jury's decision, Luna Ramírez has not been released because he remains in immigration custody, according to Robles. "Unfortunately, they placed an ICE hold on him because he is a foreigner. It is unfair because he has a visa that allows him to work legally in the country, he has a valid permit, and everything is in order. He had been working here for many years. I find it unjust that it ended this way," Robles expressed. Robles indicated that her husband is in a detention center in Texas and they expect him to be sent to Mexico in the coming days. "He has already signed for voluntary departure and should be touching down in Mexico within three to four days," she stated. The accident in Alamo occurred on June 19, 2026, on Expressway 83, in Alamo, Texas. Several people were injured, including a 5-year-old child. At the time, police reported that Luna Ramírez was driving a tractor-trailer that was involved in a collision with a Dodge Durango and subsequently left the scene. After the accident, a video captured by the truck's camera circulated on social media, showing the moment of impact and part of what happened afterward. According to Robles, that footage and witness testimony were crucial elements for her husband's defense. "In this case, that helped the defense a lot for my husband to be released, because it clearly recorded that he was not at fault for what he was being accused of, and the witnesses were key pieces," Robles noted. Luna Ramírez had faced six third-degree felony charges, including two charges of collision resulting in serious bodily injury and four charges of collision resulting in injury. During his arraignment, a total bail of $300,000 was set. Following the grand jury's decision not to file a formal indictment on those charges, his situation now depends on the immigration process while he remains in ICE custody.
Public SafetyFather Faces Charges After Gun Found at Elementary School in Brownsville
New details have emerged regarding the incident at Aiken Elementary School. Following an investigation by the Brownsville ISD Police and Security Department, authorities confirmed that a father is facing criminal charges after a gun was discovered on campus. According to official information released by the school district, the charges against the father under the Texas Penal Code include: Making a firearm accessible to a child (Texas Penal Code §46.13) and Abandoning or endangering a child (Texas Penal Code §22.041). Although district officials reiterated that the weapon was secured immediately and that the situation does not pose an active risk to students or staff, the incident prompted a strong reminder to the school community. BISD urged parents and guardians to talk to their children about safety and to ensure that any firearms in the home are properly secured and inaccessible to children, reinforcing the institutional motto: 'If you see something, say something.'
Public SafetyInvestigation Underway Following Officer-Involved Shooting in Mission
An investigation is underway following an officer-involved shooting in Mission, Texas. The Mission Police Department emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability during such incidents. The Texas Rangers will conduct the investigation to ensure that all actions taken by the officers are in line with the law and departmental policies. The department recognizes the impact of these events on the community and the individuals involved. They urge the public to refrain from jumping to conclusions before all facts are established. The release of footage from the incident aims to provide clarity and counter misinformation.
Public SafetyMission Police Department releases statement after deadly officer-involved shooting
Editor's note: The video above is from the date of the incident. HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Mission Police Department released a statement Wednesday morning regarding a deadly officer-involved shooting that happened over the weekend. According to a city spokesperson, the statement, attributed to Mission police Chief Cesar Torres, was released to clarify the facts