Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyFord recalls over 100,000 vehicles due to two defects that could increase crash risk
Ford announced the recall of more than 100,000 Mustang and Mustang Mach-E vehicles in two separate recalls due to defects that could increase the risk of a crash. The first recall affects the powertrain of certain Mustang Mach-E vehicles from model years 2021 to 2023. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a fracture in the differential pinion shaft could lead to a loss of vehicle power or unintended movement if parked without the parking brake engaged, increasing the risk of a crash. Notification letters for the recall are expected to be mailed on July 13. The NHTSA reported that additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, which is anticipated by the end of December.
Public SafetyAccident Causes Traffic Detours on I-2 Near Donna
Authorities reported a vehicle accident on the westbound lanes of Interstate 2 (I-2) at Hutto Road in Donna. Due to the incident, traffic is being diverted to the frontage road while emergency crews address the situation. Motorists are advised to expect delays, reduce speed while traveling through the area, and, if possible, consider alternate routes until traffic is restored.
Public SafetyCBP Officers at Laredo Field Office Ports Seize $1.1 Million in Cocaine
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Laredo Field Office ports seized over $1.1 million in cocaine in a single day. The first seizure occurred at Roma International Bridge, where officers found 60.49 pounds of suspected cocaine in a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe, valued at $807,723. The second seizure took place at Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville, revealing 22.84 pounds of cocaine in a 2026 Toyota Sequoia, worth $304,956. Acting Director Paul Del Rincon emphasized the ongoing drug threat and the commitment of CBP to keep communities safe. Both drivers were arrested, and investigations are underway.
Public SafetyFM 1015 Closed Due to Diesel Spill in Progreso
Authorities have announced the temporary closure of FM 1015, south of Military, due to a diesel spill on the roadway in the Progreso, TX area. The closure affects both northbound and southbound lanes as specialized hazardous materials (Hazmat) teams work to clean up the spilled fuel to ensure the safety of motorists. As a precautionary measure, traffic is being diverted to alternate routes to allow for safe passage in both directions. Cleanup efforts are ongoing, and authorities are advising drivers to avoid the area if possible and use alternate routes until the work is completed. They will provide timely updates when the main lanes are reopened to traffic.
Public SafetyMexican man dies after ICE operation in Texas
HOUSTON – Authorities are investigating an incident that occurred Tuesday morning in the area of Canal Street and Sgt. Macario García Drive in Houston's East End, which left one man dead. According to preliminary information, the emergency call was received around 6:51 a.m. Houston Police arrived first at the scene, along with personnel from the Houston Fire Department. In a statement, ICE reported that 'agents were attempting to apprehend a man during an immigration operation when he allegedly tried to evade arrest, collided with an agency vehicle, and used his car in an attempt to run over an agent.' According to ICE, 'an agent fired his weapon in self-defense. The man was taken to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.' In earlier statements to Telemundo Houston, Ronaldo Salgado, who identified himself as the victim's son, claimed that his father, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, had been shot while looking for workers in the area. ICE stated that the FBI is leading the investigation. This is a developing story.
Public SafetyMinute by Minute: Construction Building in Manhattan Evacuated After Several Beams Buckle
What you need to know The FDNY reported receiving a call around 8 a.m. about falling bricks from the building located at 235 East 42nd Street, between Second and Third Avenues. The NYPD stated they received a 911 call about the incident less than 15 minutes later. When police arrived on the scene, the NYPD reported that officers received a report from construction workers on the 21st floor of the commercial building who had seen the columns beginning to collapse. The Department of Buildings reported that at least nine neighboring buildings were also evacuated as a precaution. Footage from inside, recorded by a construction worker, showed bent steel beams on the 21st floor. The building was evacuated; all construction workers were able to exit safely. No injuries have been reported; a press conference from the FDNY is expected. NEW YORK — Two structural support beams on the 21st floor of a 37-story construction building in Manhattan buckled Tuesday morning, prompting evacuations, street closures, and a significant emergency services response, according to authorities. Stay here for full coverage and live updates.
Public SafetyConstruction Building in Manhattan Evacuated After Brick Fall
A construction site in Manhattan was evacuated Tuesday morning after structural support beams on the 21st floor buckled, leading to street closures and a significant emergency response. The New York Fire Department (FDNY) received reports of falling bricks from the building at 235 East 42nd Street, which is being converted into a luxury rental complex with 1,500 units. No injuries were reported, but workers on the 21st floor observed the columns starting to give way. As a precaution, at least nine nearby buildings were also evacuated. Investigations by the Department of Buildings and NYPD are ongoing.
Public SafetyDriver injured in Brownsville crash dies
A driver involved in a crash on June 27 in Brownsville has died from his injuries, according to the Brownsville Police Department. The deceased, identified as Abel Barrientos, was hospitalized with severe injuries following the collision at the intersection of Padre Island Highway and Ruben Torres Boulevard. First responders found Barrientos unconscious at the scene. A child in the other vehicle sustained minor injuries, and the other vehicle remained at the location after the incident. No further details have been released by the police regarding the crash.
Public SafetyFormer Afghan ally who died in ICE custody in Texas suffered an allergic reaction, death certificate says
Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, a 41-year-old Afghan national who fought alongside U.S. forces, died in ICE custody on March 14 due to an allergic reaction, as stated in his death certificate. Detained for deportation the day before, Paktiawal experienced anaphylaxis triggered by an unidentified substance, worsening his asthma. His death has sparked outrage, with calls for the release of his autopsy report, which Texas authorities are withholding, citing an ongoing criminal investigation. Paktiawal had entered the U.S. legally and was awaiting asylum when he was arrested in Richardson, Texas, over charges he had not been convicted of.
Public SafetyJudge denies bail for Alton triple murder suspect, dashcam footage of arrest shown during hearing
A judge has denied bail for Gaurav Chopra, the suspect in the triple murder of his parents and grandmother in Alton. During a bond hearing, his attorneys claimed he was being detained without probable cause and requested a reasonable bail. The judge rejected this, citing Chopra as a potential flight risk due to the $12,666 found during his arrest. Testimony from police indicated a high-speed chase ensued after a traffic stop attempt. Dashcam footage showed the suspect's vehicle crashing into another car, resulting in hospitalization. The defense argued there was no evidence linking Chopra to the murders, but the judge maintained the denial of bail.
Public SafetyMan charged with stealing cattle from Starr County ranch to sell at auction
Arthur Frederick Flores has been charged with stealing cattle from a ranch in Starr County to sell at an auction in Hidalgo County. According to an affidavit, Flores was arrested on two counts of cattle theft after a witness reported unauthorized individuals on horseback and ATVs at the ranch. The investigation revealed that Flores hired Augustine Becerra to capture stray cattle, leading to the theft of three bulls, one of which died at the sale barn. In total, 11 head of cattle were sold for over $15,000. Flores is no longer listed as an inmate in the Starr County jail.
Public SafetyCity of McAllen reports crime rate down by 21%
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The City of McAllen is reporting that it "recorded its lowest crime levels in four decades," according to the latest crime data from city officials. In a newly released Texas Department of Public Safety Uniform Crime Report, data shows a 20.4% decrease in crime volume in McAllen in 2025 in comparison to
Public SafetyDriver of SUV dies week after crashing into pole
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A driver involved in a two-vehicle crash that caused his SUV to hit a pole died on Sunday, according to an update from the Brownsville Police Department. Abel Barrientos Jr., 26, died at the hospital on Sunday, a spokesperson with the Brownsville Police Department told ValleyCentral. At approximately 9:45 p.m. on June
Public SafetyJudge denies bail for Alton man acussed of killing family
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A 19-year-old man being held without bond after being charged with capital murder of multiple persons and attempt to commit capital murder in connection with a June 16 Alton shooting appeared for a hearing on Monday morning. Gaurav Chopra, 19, of Alton, is accused of shooting and killing his father, mother and
Public SafetyMan Who Beat His 12-Year-Old Son to Death Receives Sentence
A Branford, Connecticut man who beat his 12-year-old son to death with a baseball bat and attempted to kill his teenage daughter was sentenced on Monday to 60 years in prison. Anthony Esposito Jr. was taken into custody on May 1, 2025, shortly after police found his son, Anthony P. Esposito, dead inside the family condominium on Hemlock Road. Prosecutors stated that the man admitted to killing his son because he was being disrespectful. Officers found the boy lying in the basement with severe injuries after being repeatedly struck with a baseball bat. A paramedic pronounced him dead at the scene. After killing him, Esposito Jr. left the condominium and went to the town center to pick up his 16-year-old daughter. He attempted to murder his daughter, but she managed to escape. After they returned home, the daughter asked where her brother was, and he told her that the boy was downstairs in the basement. According to prosecutors, he followed her to the stairs and pushed her down to where her brother's body was. Esposito Jr. said that if he had been able to reach the bat, he would have killed his daughter as well. She was able to escape from the basement. In April, he pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder. On Monday, a judge sentenced Esposito Jr. to 40 years for the murder of his son and an additional 20 years for the attempted murder of his daughter, to be served consecutively, resulting in a total effective sentence of 60 years. During the sentencing hearing, the judge stated it was 'one of the worst cases the court has seen.'
Public SafetyFire officials: 10 vehicles on fire in Edinburg junkyard
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Approximately 10 vehicles are reported to be on fire at a junkyard in Edinburg, according to city officials. At approximately 1:30 p.m., the dispatch received a call about a fire at a junkyard on the 7300 block of East Owassa Road in Edinburg. According to city officials, occupants were working on a
Public SafetyNorth Texas Child Predator Named July’s Featured Fugitive
Alejandro Villegas, a 32-year-old sex offender from Fort Worth, has been named July's Featured Fugitive by Texas 10 Most Wanted. He is wanted for a probation violation linked to a child sexual assault charge and has an outstanding warrant for failing to register as a sex offender. In 2017, he was arrested for robbery and received probation. In 2022, he was convicted of sexual assault against a 16-year-old girl. A reward of $6,000 is offered for information leading to his arrest this month. Tips can be submitted anonymously via the Crime Stoppers hotline or online.
Public SafetyBurglary at UTRGV Stadium under investigation, suspects still at large
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The University of Texas Rio Grande Police Department is investigating a burglary that occurred at the UTRGV Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium in Edinburg after the Fourth of July, police announced Monday. According to UTRGV police, two male juveniles were detained and charged. Four other males escaped at the scene. On Sunday
Public Safety15-year-old hospitalized after consuming alcohol, McAllen couple charged
A 15-year-old girl was hospitalized after consuming alcohol on July 4 in McAllen. Police arrested 43-year-old Jeanett Garza and 44-year-old Jose Garza for providing alcohol to minors. Officers responded to a call from the 4100 block of Colbath Avenue at 9:56 p.m., where they found the girl unconscious and vomiting. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The couple was charged with two counts of furnishing alcohol to a minor, with a bond set at $2,000 each. Another 15-year-old girl received a citation and was released to a responsible adult. The investigation is ongoing.