Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyRecords: Former Harlingen cancer clinic finance director stole more than $750K through 87 transactions
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. According to a police report filed by Dr. Mark Harrison on May 19, 2026, Perez executed 87 fraudulent transactions between May 2025 and April 2026, diverting funds to her personal accounts disguised as legitimate business expenses. A review of financial records revealed discrepancies in her W-2 forms and paid time off, leading to her termination on April 9, 2026. Perez was arrested on August 4, 2026, with a bond set at $100,000.
Public SafetyFM 2556 in La Feria to Close for Emergency Railroad Repairs, Aug. 18-21
FM 2556 in La Feria will be closed to through traffic from Tuesday, August 18, to Friday, August 21, for emergency repairs on the railroad tracks. The closure will affect the stretch between US Business Highway 83 and Interstate 2. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and find alternative routes during this period. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has provided this information to help minimize disruptions for drivers.
Public Safety"Chucky" or "Terror Tot"? Masked Figure Terrifies Pedestrians in Philadelphia
As the search continues for the masked individual terrorizing people in Center City, Philadelphia, investigators are assessing the type of mask used by the suspect. Philadelphia Police Captain Jason Smith stated on August 17 that it resembled a Chucky mask, but after reviewing social media, they believe it is a so-called "Terror Tot." Both masks are certainly from children's characters that commit acts of terror on screen. Detectives are urging anyone who was approached by this person, believed to be a young man aged 15 to 20, on August 12, 2026, between 15th Street and JFK Boulevard near City Hall, to come forward. Surveillance footage captured the suspect chasing a woman who was exercising, and she reported that the individual said to her, "Are you ready to die?" The police stated that their cyber experts are searching for clues on social media regarding this feared suspect, as the individual was recording with a cellphone when he approached his victims. So far, they have not located the suspect. If you were one of the individuals affected by the masked figure, you can alert the Philadelphia Police tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
Public SafetyHayden Panettiere's Ex-Boyfriend Was at the Scene When She Died, According to Police
Hayden Panettiere's ex-boyfriend and his brother were at the South Carolina apartment complex where the Heroes actress suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away on Sunday, according to a police report of the incident obtained by NBC News. The report, which contains numerous redacted sections, states that Brian Hickerson, Panettiere's on-and-off partner, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were present at the Judson Mill Lofts apartment complex. The responding officer, identified in the report as Matthew Bryan, stated that he first spoke with Zach Hickerson, who was 'very emotionally upset' while emergency medical services 'attended to Hayden.' The report adds that Brian Hickerson did not show visible emotional distress until emergency personnel confirmed the death of the 36-year-old actress.
Public SafetyBail Reduced for Woman Accused of Killing Her Boyfriend
The bail for Miriam Valdez, the woman accused of shooting and killing her boyfriend in Mission, was reduced during a hearing held on Monday, August 17. According to court documents, the court lowered the bail to $25,000 for each of the two charges Valdez faces: manslaughter and murder. The records also indicate that the prosecution opposed the bail reduction and requested a 45-day postponement, while the defense stated that it needs time to review the evidence in the case. Additionally, as part of the conditions set by the court, Valdez must comply with a commitment order and surrender her passport. The case remains under the jurisdiction of the 93rd District Court of Texas.
Public SafetyDriver Dies After Two-Vehicle Accident Near Palmview
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) provided an update on the fatal two-vehicle accident that occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026, on Texan Road, south of Freedom Avenue and north of Palmview in Hidalgo County. According to DPS, 22-year-old Efren Garcia-Saldivar, a resident of Mission, was driving a silver Chevrolet Malibu northbound in the wrong lane when he collided head-on with a blue Ford Fusion. Garcia-Saldivar was transported to McAllen Medical Center after the accident but died from his injuries on Monday, August 17. The passenger in the Chevrolet, 19-year-old Brianna Yatziri Saucedo, also a resident of Mission, died at the scene. Jonathan Tellez-Sosa, 25, a resident of Penitas who was driving the Ford Fusion, also died at the scene. The passenger in the Ford was taken to McAllen Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition. DPS agents are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the accident.
Public SafetyBond set for man accused of stabbing friend in Palmview
Heriberto Cazares has been arraigned for allegedly stabbing a friend multiple times in Palmview. Charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, his bond is set at $50,000. Cazares was apprehended in McAllen on August 14 after police received a tip about his location. The incident occurred on Milagro Lane, where Cazares reportedly attacked the victim during an argument. Although the motive remains unclear, authorities confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community. The victim was hospitalized but is now in stable condition and has been discharged.
Public SafetyBond reduced for Donna woman accused of fatally shooting her boyfriend
A 22-year-old woman from Donna, Miriam Valdez, had her bond reduced from $1 million to $50,000 after being charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of her boyfriend, Damian Bazan, on May 18, 2025. Valdez allegedly confessed to firing a handgun at Bazan, whose body was discovered in a vehicle on Hermosa Vida Drive. Initially charged with manslaughter, she now faces murder charges as well. Her bond was further adjusted to $25,000 for each charge after a motion claimed the original amounts were excessively high. Valdez remains in custody at the Hidalgo County jail.
Public SafetyDonna mechanic shop closes after fire damages warehouse
A fire at Vega's Auto Shop in Donna has led to its temporary closure, impacting the owner, Jesus Vega, and his employees. The blaze occurred on Friday while Vega was delivering parts, damaging the warehouse where he stored motors, cylinder heads, and tires. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the workers present. Vega, who opened the shop a decade ago, is now assessing the damage and clearing debris. Without insurance, he faces challenges in rebuilding and emphasizes the need for improved safety measures. The Donna Fire Department is investigating the fire's cause.
Public SafetyRecords: Former finance director stole than $750K from Harlingen cancer clinic
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. According to a police report filed by Dr. Mark Harrison, the theft occurred through 87 fraudulent transactions between May 2025 and April 2026. Perez allegedly funneled company funds into her personal accounts disguised as legitimate business expenses. Discrepancies in her W-2 tax documents led to the investigation, revealing a total theft of $750,282.98. Perez was fired on April 9, 2026, and arrested on August 4, 2026, with a bond set at $100,000.
Public SafetyRaymondville man sentenced after killing 70-year-old husband
Bernabe Vanegas Jr. from Raymondville has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of his husband, 70-year-old Emmanuel Alexander Lagpacan. The incident occurred on January 27, 2025, at the Amigos del Valle location in Raymondville, where Lagpacan was found dead. Authorities confirmed foul play was involved, leading to Vanegas's arrest shortly after. While the police have not disclosed the motive or cause of death, court records indicate that Vanegas will receive credit for time already served in jail.
Public Safety'We don’t have John anymore': Family reacts ahead of arraignment of suspected drunk driver
MISSION, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The family of a Mission man killed in a motorcycle crash is asking a judge to keep the man accused in the deadly collision behind bars. John Andrew Alonso, known to friends as “Zuki,” was killed in a head-on motorcycle crash in Mission on May 3. “We just want justice and
Public SafetyJury selection still underway in Martinez capital murder trial
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Jury selection is still underway in the capital murder trial for Rogelio Martinez Jr., who is accused of fatally shooting San Benito Police Lt. Milton Resendez during a 2023 vehicle pursuit. According to a district clerk, the court is still conducting daily voir dire with potential jurors, referring to the pre-trial
Public SafetyLaw enforcement officers attend sexual assault response training at South Padre Island
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — More than 250 law enforcement officers from across Texas were welcomed to South Padre Island on Monday for a Law Enforcement Sexual Assault Training Conference. The conference is presented annually by the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, a nonprofit committed to ending sexual violence in the state. This year's event welcomed
Public SafetyCombes police officer recognized after performing CPR on unresponsive child
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Combes Police Department is recognizing one of its officers who is being credited with saving the life of a 2-year-old child during a call for service. On Friday, Officer B. Echavarria responded to a call regarding an unresponsive child. When he arrived, he found the 2-year-old unresponsive and immediately began CPR,
Public SafetyJudge sets bail at $50K for man accused of stabbing friend
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A judge set bail at $50,000 for a man accused of stabbing his friend multiple times. Heriberto Cazares, 33, attended a bail hearing at the Palmview Municipal Court where he was formally charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to an update from Palmview police Chief Jose Trevino. At approximately
Public SafetyBond set for Palmview stabbing suspect
Heriberto Cazares has been arraigned for allegedly stabbing a man multiple times in Palmview. He faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, with a bond set at $50,000. Cazares was apprehended in McAllen on August 14 after authorities received a tip about his location. The victim was hospitalized but is now in stable condition and has been discharged from the hospital.
Public SafetySouth Padre Island grass fire caused by sky lanterns, fire chief says
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A grass fire that broke out Saturday night at South Padre Island near the Margaritaville Beach Resort was caused by sky lanterns, according to South Padre Island Fire Chief Jim Pigg. Witnesses at the scene told officials that sky lanterns with candles were launched by the beach and landed on the sand
Public SafetyDel Rio U.S. Border Patrol Agents Apprehend Convicted Felon Illegally in U.S.
U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Del Rio Sector apprehended Francisco Gallegos-Garza, a 59-year-old Mexican national, on August 10 while patrolling near the Rio Grande. Gallegos-Garza is in the U.S. illegally and has a criminal record that includes felony convictions for intentional injury to a child and assault. He was previously convicted of felony re-entry after deportation in 2011 and served 46 months in prison. He now faces a new charge under 8 USC § 1326 for re-entry after deportation, which could result in a maximum sentence of 20 years. Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent emphasized the importance of preventing repeat offenders from crossing the border.