Shelter-in-place advisory lifted in Combes following expressway vehicle fire

The shelter-in-place advisory for residents of Combes was lifted on Wednesday afternoon after an 18-wheeler fire on Expressway 77. The incident occurred shortly after 11 a.m. and involved a truck carrying concrete dust, which posed a temporary respiratory irritation risk. The Cameron County Precinct 5 Constable's Office advised drivers to avoid the area between the Road Ranger exit and the south Combes city limits. By 4:30 p.m., cleanup was completed, and residents were allowed to resume normal activities, including opening windows. The roadway was expected to reopen around 5:30 p.m.

Rattlesnake found inside Rio Grande City store prompts animal control warning

A rattlesnake was discovered inside the Tractor Supply Co. store in Rio Grande City, prompting a warning from the local animal control department. As temperatures rise, more snake sightings are expected, particularly during mating season when male rattlesnakes are more active. Animal control officer Lt. Daniel Treviño advises residents to secure their homes by covering holes in walls and foundations. If a rattlesnake enters a home, he recommends keeping a safe distance until help arrives, as the snakes are generally not aggressive. Local rancher Eduardo Marquez emphasizes the importance of being vigilant during this season when snakes are more prevalent.

Harlingen sex offender caught communicating with underage girl on social media, police say

Lino C. Oliva, a registered sex offender, was arrested in Harlingen after failing to report a job change and allegedly communicating with an underage girl. The Harlingen Police Department conducted a compliance check on May 5, during which they discovered Oliva had been fired months prior without notifying authorities. He is also a suspect in a sexual assault investigation that began on March 20. Detectives found evidence of his interactions with the juvenile on social media, and Oliva confessed to meeting her twice, including once at his apartment. He faces multiple charges, with a bond set at $200,000.

Investigators seek to uncover additional victims in nationwide child pornography case

Investigators are working to identify victims from across the country after a Texas man was arrested for child sex crimes.

Prosecutor says ropa usada businessman purchased guns for La Familia cartel

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — New details surfaced Tuesday about the arrest of a couple accused of running an illegal ropa usada business in Pharr. Fernando Mireles, 32, of San Juan and his wife, Yarely Sanchez Carbajal, sold used clothing — known in Spanish as ropa usada — from a warehouse on South Jackson Road. “They

Sex offender fails to comply with registration requirements, Harlingen police say

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Police arrested a wanted registered sex offender who failed to comply with sex offender registration requirements, according to a news release from the Harlingen Police Department. An arrest warrant was issued for Lino C. Oliva after he allegedly failed to report his termination from his job. According to the Texas Department

DPS Leads Successful Recovery of Radioactive Source in Midland County

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) successfully recovered a Cesium-137 radioactive source in Midland County over the weekend. The operation began when a DPS Corporal detected radiation during a routine patrol near S County Road 1210. After confirming the source, the DPS coordinated with local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI and Midland Fire Department, to safely recover the material. The Cs-137 source, a sealed radioactive item manufactured in 1967, was found 6 to 8 inches underground and was retrieved without incident, ensuring no injuries or public threat. This operation underscores the importance of DPS's partnerships in emergency responses.

Edinburg pastor charged with indecency with a child

City of Combes issues alert for drivers, residents after 18-wheeler catches fire on expressway

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Combes is asking drivers to avoid the southbound expressway in Combes as crews work to clear the scene after an 18-wheeler carrying cement bags caught fire on Wednesday. Combes city officials are asking residents from the following areas to remain indoors and keep all windows and doors closed until

Rollover Accident Causes Temporary Closure of Access to I-69C in Edinburg

Edinburg authorities responded to a rollover accident in the 4000 block of I-69C, in the northbound lanes. According to the Edinburg Police, no injuries were reported following the incident. While all main lanes remain open, access to I-69C was temporarily closed as authorities work at the scene. Motorists are advised to drive cautiously and expect minor delays in the area.

Man from Donna Accused of Impersonating Deceased Woman to Send Messages

A man from Donna is facing multiple charges after authorities accused him of allegedly unauthorized access to the digital accounts of a deceased woman and using her identity to send sexually explicit messages to her relatives. According to court documents, José Luis Lara Jr. was charged on July 2 with using a computer system or cell phone without the owner's consent. The investigation indicates that the accused allegedly accessed the phone and social media accounts, including Instagram, of a relative who passed away in 2020. Authorities reported that after the woman's death, her accounts remained active and began to be used by an unknown person. Over time, relatives of the deceased started receiving messages that appeared to come from her, including intimate photographs, explicit language, and sexually suggestive content related to alleged marital infidelity. During the investigation, agents located the cell phone allegedly used to send the messages at José Luis Lara Jr.'s residence, where he was subsequently arrested. The accused faces charges of Computer Security Breach, Harassment, Online Impersonation, and Publish/Threat to Publish Intimate Visual Material. The case remains under investigation by authorities.

Pastor charged with indecency with a child: Edinburg police

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A local pastor has been charged with indecency with a child, according to the Edinburg Police Department. Jorge Gonzalez Martinez, 49, was arrested Monday without incident following a police report that was filed earlier this month, Edinburg police said. Edinburg police did not identify which church Martinez is affiliated with. ValleyCentral

Edinburg Police Department Investigating Indecency with a Child Case

The Edinburg Police Department is currently investigating a case of indecency with a child involving local pastor Jorge Gonzalez Martinez, who was arrested on July 27, 2026. The 49-year-old faces four counts of indecency with a child, with incidents reportedly occurring between March and April 2025. He was arraigned the following day, and his bond is set at $300,000. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information or potential victims to reach out to the Edinburg Police Department at (956) 289-7700 or Edinburg Crime Stoppers at (956) 383-8477.

Date Set for Trial of Cristóbal Garzes, Accused of Hitting a Man

The 197th District Court in Cameron County has set the trial date for 28-year-old Cristóbal Stephan Garzes, who faces multiple charges related to the death of 46-year-old David Zapata in Harlingen. Pre-trial hearings are scheduled for October 3, with the jury trial beginning on October 5. The incident occurred on April 29 on Interstate 2, where Zapata was securing a vehicle on a tow truck when he was struck. Authorities allege Garzes fled the scene and was later apprehended by police. He faces charges of intoxication manslaughter, failure to stop and render aid, and possession of a controlled substance, with bail set at $725,000.

"He didn't even reach 13": the mother of the boy killed outside a bodega breaks her silence

New York — The mother of the 12-year-old boy who was shot and killed outside a bodega in The Bronx last week spoke out on Tuesday amid profound grief, after spending hours in front of an improvised altar in honor of her son. Through tears, Migdalia Martínez shared her suffering and demanded more action from authorities to end the gun violence that took her son, Jacob Freytes. "I want this to stop; those who are police should do it for a reason, because you want to, not because there are benefits. Because in the end, if you are a police officer and a young boy dies next to where you work, you have failed him," the mother said. "He no longer has a life. He never reached 13 years old," she told Telemundo 47 on Tuesday. "He will never graduate from high school. And the guy who killed him did. He will never have a girlfriend, and the guy who killed him did. He will never have children. And that guy who killed him did." Martínez noted that her son lived "a part" of his life. "I just want him to live the rest," she added. How did the events unfold? Freytes, who was also the son of a retired detective sergeant from the New York City Police Department (NYPD), was on his bicycle in front of the bodega located between Elliot Street and Walton Avenue in The Bronx before 5:00 p.m. on Saturday to buy some snacks. The boy stopped in front of the establishment where several adults were fighting. One of them pulled out a gun and fired. The boy was shot in the shoulder and later died in a hospital. Surveillance video shows the group arguing, and the suspect stepping back before firing at the group. The boy ran inside the bodega trying to find safety while holding his chest or shoulder and collapsed shortly after. Two other individuals, aged 34 and 25, who were part of the fighting group, were also injured, according to the police. Who is the suspect? Hours later, authorities arrested the suspect, identified as 45-year-old William Ferrer, who pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder, murder, assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and involuntary manslaughter. Jacob's mother stated that Jacob's killer must pay for what he did. "He should spend his whole life in prison. He shouldn't even see the hope of getting out," the mother said. Ferrer faces a sentence of 25 years to life if convicted of the main charge: second-degree murder. He is scheduled to return to court this Friday.

Edinburg Pastor Faces Four Charges for Indecent Acts with a Minor

The Edinburg Police Department is investigating allegations of indecent acts with a minor involving local pastor Jorge Gonzalez Martinez, 49. Authorities report that the incidents allegedly occurred between March and April 2025, with the complaint filed earlier this month. Martinez was arrested on July 27 without incident, and during his arraignment on July 28, a judge set his bail at $300,000 for four counts of indecency with a minor. The investigation is ongoing, and police encourage potential victims or anyone with information to contact (956) 289-7700 or anonymously reach out to Edinburg Crime Stoppers at (956) 383-8477.

3 men hospitalized following ATV rollover crash near Elsa

Three men were hospitalized following an ATV rollover accident near Elsa on Monday night, as reported by the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. The incident occurred around 8:40 p.m. in the 11400 block of Mile 17 Road North, where the ATV rolled into a canal. Fortunately, all three men were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident. The sheriff's office urged the community to exercise caution while operating ATVs, emphasizing the importance of safety equipment and responsible driving practices. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Appeals court orders pause on wrongful death lawsuit of Weslaco cheerleader

The 13th Court of Appeals has temporarily halted the wrongful death lawsuit concerning Weslaco cheerleader Larissa Rodriguez. This decision, made on Monday, requires attorneys to respond within ten days. The pause follows a Hidalgo County judge's ruling that allowed the case to proceed. Rodriguez passed away in October 2025 due to an enlarged heart, linked to stress and excessive caffeine intake from Alani energy drinks. Her family is suing distributors Glazer’s Beer and Beverage, LLC, and Glazer’s Beer and Beverage of Texas, LLC. The appeals court will review Glazer's petition against the trial judge's decision to advance the case.

Donna man charged with using dead wife social media to send intimate photos