Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetySan Benito wanted man arrested over the weekend, Cameron Co. Sheriff says
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A San Benito man wanted for child sex charges was arrested, Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Trevino said in an update. Jesus Estaban Escovar was arrested on Saturday afternoon without further incident. On Friday, the Cameron County Sheriff's Office sent out a wanted alert on Escovar on charges of aggravated sexual assault
Public Safety21-Year-Old Woman Dies During Bungee Jump; May Not Have Been Secured to Safety Cable
A 21-year-old woman died while bungee jumping from a bridge in São Paulo, Brazil, on Saturday. The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, was seen in a video standing near the edge of the Skeleton Bridge Trail without proper safety equipment. Reports indicate that she was not connected to the bungee cable when she jumped. The governor's office stated that the safety gear was not properly secured at the time of the incident. Three men, aged 27, 32, and 42, were arrested on charges of negligent homicide. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Public SafetyMan dead, one in custody in deadly RGC neighbor dispute, investigation underway
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — One person is in custody following a neighbor dispute that turned deadly, according to the Rio Grande City Police Chief Jose Solis. Chief Solis told ValleyCentral the shooting occurred right before 11 a.m. Saturday. Authorities say the suspect allegedly fired several rounds. At this time, police have one person in
Public SafetyBody Found Near Stadium Where Iranian National Team Trains in Tijuana, Mexico
A decomposed body was found in a vehicle near the Estadio Caliente in Tijuana, where the Iranian national soccer team is training for the 2026 World Cup. The body was discovered in the trunk of a California-registered truck parked outside a supermarket, wrapped in a black bag and showing signs of violence. Local authorities were alerted by a strong odor emanating from the vehicle, which had been parked for several days. While the incident raised security concerns in Tijuana, there is no evidence linking it to the Iranian team or the World Cup. The team has received support from local fans as they prepare for their first match on June 15 against New Zealand.
Public SafetyDriver arrested in human smuggling attempt at Falfurrias checkpoint
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- U.S. Border Patrol arrested a driver who attempted to smuggle 26 people through the checkpoint in Falfurrias. U.S. Border Patrol Rio Grande Valley Sector Chief Patrol Agent Jared C. Ashby provided details of the smuggling attempt and arrest on Thursday. Ashby reported that a white Dodge Ram 3500 hauling a gooseneck
Public SafetyMidland police ID suspect in shooting that left one victim dead, 10 injured
Midland police have identified 45-year-old Victor Mata Villarreal as the suspect in a shooting that occurred on Friday morning, resulting in one death and ten injuries. Villarreal, who had previously fired at police during a chase, barricaded himself in an abandoned veterinary clinic after the shooting began. Authorities confirmed his death inside the building hours later, though the cause remains unclear. The incident prompted a significant police response, with reports of at least 40 gunshots. Four victims underwent surgery, while five others were treated and released. Midland, a city of approximately 140,000, has a history of violent incidents, including a mass shooting in 2019.
Public SafetyProgreso names fourth police chief in 2 years amid staffing concerns
Progreso has appointed Guillermo 'Willie' Figueroa as its new police chief, marking the fourth chief in two years. Figueroa was sworn in on Friday, coinciding with the resignation of City Manager Benjamin Arjona, who hired him. Interim Police Chief Al Perez also stepped down after applying for the permanent position. Tensions arose between Perez and Mayor Hugo Gamboa regarding a shooting investigation. The police department is currently facing staffing shortages, with two officers leaving soon, leaving only three on patrol. Mayor Gamboa indicated that the city may seek help from state or county law enforcement to manage calls.
Public SafetyScheduled road closures for 10th Street in north McAllen
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A portion of North 10th Street in McAllen will be closed starting Monday as crews begin to work on the roadway and drainage improvements. Road construction will be done between Frontera Road and Auburn Avenue/Wisconsin Road in north McAllen. Crews with the Texas Department of Transportation will begin work on the
Public SafetyUS citizen sentenced to 30 days in jail for illegally crossing the Rio Grande
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A judge on Friday sentenced a United States citizen to 30 days in jail for illegally crossing the border. Border Patrol arrested Rhodes Mack Jones, 28, of Gainsville, Georgia, on May 29, when he waded across the Rio Grande near Roma. “It’s my understanding he was trying to avoid a warrant,” U.S.
Public SafetyMan accused of photographing a woman inside restroom stall at Sunrise Mall
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The Brownsville Police Department arrested an 18-year-old man accused of entering the women's restroom at Sunrise Mall and taking a photo of a woman inside a stall. Juan Diego De Luna was arrested on Thursday and charged with invasive visual recording, a state felony. De Luna appeared in court on Friday,
Public SafetyRio Grande Valley Troopers Among Those Honored for Bravery by Texas DPS
At a recent meeting in Austin, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) honored several officers for their bravery and service. Among the recipients were Troopers Dustin Ponce and Brandon Palmer from Edinburg and Laredo, who executed a high-risk hoist rescue during catastrophic flooding in the Rio Grande Valley. They, along with Lieutenant Eric Herrera, successfully saved a stranded individual from a flooded canal. Other awards included the Javier Arana Jr. Top Trooper Awards and the Adolph Thomas Distinguished Service Awards, recognizing exceptional contributions to public safety and community service by various DPS personnel.
Public SafetyHarlingen police arrest man accused of taking pictures of men inside restrooms
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Harlingen police arrested a man accused of taking "numerous photographs" of men inside restrooms, according to a news release from the city police department. Gregorio Ramirez Jr., 39, of Harlingen, was arrested June 2 on an outstanding warrant for invasive visual recording. At approximately 9:20 a.m. on May 11, Harlingen police
Public SafetyThe Other Outcome: 19 Arrested and 11 Police Injured as the World Cup Kicks Off in Mexico
MEXICO CITY – The opening day of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City resulted in 19 arrests for various reasons, as well as 11 police officers injured in clashes with protesters near the stadium where Mexico faced South Africa, authorities reported on Friday. In a statement, the city's Citizen Security Secretariat (SSC) highlighted that the special operation for the World Cup opening involved police forces and volunteer groups, who were deployed near the Estadio Ciudad de México (formerly known as Azteca) and in key gathering areas. Prior to Thursday's match, officers arrested four individuals—two men and two women—near the sports venue for carrying 'fake access passes.' In the same area, there were mobilizations and a 'group of masked individuals who threw firecrackers, stones, and other objects at the police,' according to the SSC. 'As a result of these actions, eight people were arrested and presented to the judicial authorities. Additionally, four more individuals were taken before a judge for public disturbance. All were later released,' the statement detailed. Furthermore, 11 police officers were injured, six of whom were transported to hospitals for medical attention due to contusions.
Public SafetyDrivers killed in two-vehicle crash, McAllen police say
A tragic accident in McAllen resulted in the deaths of two individuals early Friday morning. The collision occurred around 5:30 a.m. on the 6400 block of South McColl Road. The victims were identified as 22-year-old Eber Sanchez from Edinburg, who was driving a Chevrolet Silverado, and 41-year-old Cesar Eduardo Martinez Jr., who was behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Tahoe. McAllen police are currently investigating the cause of the crash.
Public SafetyTexas shooting leaves 1 dead and 9 injured as police are in a standoff with a suspect
A shooting in Midland, Texas, on Friday morning resulted in one death and ten injuries. The suspect, 45-year-old Victor Mata Villarreal, had previously shot at police during a chase. After firing at officers and bystanders, he barricaded himself in an abandoned veterinary clinic. Police confirmed Villarreal was found dead inside the building hours later, though the cause of death was not disclosed. Four victims underwent surgery, while five were treated and released. Midland, a city of about 140,000 residents, has a history of gun violence, including a mass shooting in 2019 that left seven dead.
Public SafetyMan wanted for aggravated sexual assault of a child
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) - Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Trevino is urging the public to be on the lookout for a man wanted on charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child. The man in question is identified at Jesus Estaban Escobar, 39 years old. He is described as being 5`11, 280 lbs. He was last
Public SafetyHow to keep your kids safe online this summer break
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — With summer break officially underway, children may be spending more time online. Whether they're using the internet for gaming or social media, local law enforcement and government agencies are advising parents to be aware of who their children are talking to and what they're doing online. Common apps parents should be aware
Public SafetyDrivers killed in two-vehicle collision in McAllen
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two drivers were killed in an early Friday morning collision, according to the McAllen Police Department. At approximately 5:30 a.m., McAllen police responded to the crash on the 6400 block of South McColl Road. Police say two vehicles were involved in the crash: a Chevrolet Colorado and a Chevrolet Tahoe. Police
Public SafetyUPDATE: 1 dead, 11 known victims amid Midland shooting
Video Credit: West Texas Oilfield Traffic Updates MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- UPDATE: Mayor Lori Blong has confirmed a total of 11 victims amid an active shooting situation in Midland Friday morning. At least one person has died. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and our officers," she said in a news conference.