Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyCocaine fisherman sentenced to 30 months in prison
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The judge had a warning for John Diaz. Border Patrol had caught Diaz with about 3.5 kilograms of cocaine — and seized the drugs. “Somebody’s going to come asking for payback on the three keys when you get out,” Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane said on Aug. 6, when Diaz
Public SafetyGot it? Here are the 10 most stolen vehicles in Texas during July
TEXAS – The Texas Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Authority revealed the car theft figures for July 2026, and several popular models top the list of those most sought after by thieves. According to the agency's data, Chevrolet ranked first with 297 stolen vehicles, followed by GMC with 206. The list of the 10 most stolen vehicles during July includes: Chevrolet – 297 thefts, GMC – 206 thefts, Hyundai Elantra – 159 thefts, Ford F-150 – 121 thefts, Hyundai Sonata – 99 thefts, Ford F-250 – 88 thefts, Ram 1500 – 75 thefts, Toyota Camry – 71 thefts, Kia Optima – 68 thefts, Honda Accord – 61 thefts. The figures show that trucks continue to be a frequent target for criminals in Texas, especially models widely used for both work and personal transportation.
Public SafetyFather of 2-Year-Old Girl Who Died After Alleged Beating in Texas Seeks Justice
The father of Janessa Martínez, a 2-year-old girl born in Chicago who died in Texas after allegedly suffering severe injuries, is seeking justice while trying to transport his daughter's body back to Chicago for a proper burial. Norman Martínez, currently in Texas, spoke exclusively with Telemundo Chicago about his daughter's death and the impact she had on his life. Investigators believe the severe injuries that ultimately led to her death were allegedly inflicted by Gerardo González, the boyfriend of Jazmín Cisneros, Janessa's mother. González and Cisneros have appeared in court facing charges of injury to a minor causing serious bodily injury. Following Janessa's death, authorities are considering whether to file additional or more serious charges. Martínez is also asking for help to bring his daughter to Chicago for her final farewell, expressing the deep pain felt by family members and the lasting impact on his other daughter, who is seven years old. The family is awaiting the coroner's release of Janessa's body to confirm the date of the wake and burial.
Public SafetySix Brownsville road closures scheduled starting Aug. 17
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Public Safety announced six scheduled road closures at intersections in Brownsville. According to the news release from TxDOT, the six closures are due to road work and will be scheduled along SH 4, between Grant Street and Taft Street and Burton Drive, starting Monday, Aug. 17 through August
Public SafetyWoman Jumps from Burning Building and Falls into Firefighter's Arms During Dramatic Rescue
A dramatic rescue unfolded in Berlin when a woman jumped from a burning 18-story residential building, landing safely in the arms of a firefighter. The fire erupted around 6:30 a.m. on Friday in Friedrichshain, starting on the 11th floor and spreading to the upper apartment. Video footage shows her precariously climbing outside before making the leap. The woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital. In total, 115 people were affected by the fire, with 25 rescued and 13 receiving medical attention. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.
Public SafetyDeadly officer-involved shooting in Mission, investigation underway
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Rangers are investigating an overnight fatal officer-involved shooting in Mission. According to a news release from Mission PD, at approximately 12:04 a.m., authorities responded to a 911 call regarding a person "experiencing a high-stress situation" in the 1600 block of Oblate Avenue. During the incident, the person, who was reportedly
Public Safety2 adults, 3 children hospitalized following two-vehicle crash in Rio Hondo
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Five people, including three children, were taken to a hospital following a two-vehicle collision, according to city of Rio Hondo officials. At approximately 5:26pm on Saturday, the Rio Hondo Volunteer Fire Department responded to a crash in the area of F.M. 106 and Garza Road. Photos shared by city officials show that
Public SafetyInvestigation Underway Following Officer-Involved Shooting in Mission
The Mission Police Department is investigating a shooting incident involving officers that occurred around 12:04 a.m. on August 16, 2026, on the 1600 block of Oblate Avenue. Authorities reported that officers responded to a 911 call regarding a person in a high-stress situation. The individual, armed with a knife, advanced towards a citizen and then towards the officers, prompting them to use their firearms. The person was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were injured. As per protocol, involved officers are on administrative leave while investigations are conducted by the Texas Rangers and the Mission Police Department.
Public Safety19-year-old confirmed as second suspect arrested in 2023 Brownsville deadly shooting, police say
A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred in Brownsville in February 2023. The suspect, who was 16 at the time of the incident, was apprehended on East Tyler Street. The shooting left Martin Leal Longoria dead from a gunshot wound. Another suspect, Jose David Garcia, was previously charged with murder. According to Cameron County District Attorney Luis V. Saenz, the 19-year-old had fled to Mexico before being captured by Brownsville Police, assisted by federal agencies. He is currently held at the Darrell Hester Juvenile Detention Center, awaiting trial as an adult.
Public SafetySuspect Arrested for Stabbing a Man in Palmview
Heriberto Cazares was arrested last night by Palmview police after they received information about his location. He is accused of stabbing a man five times following an argument among friends in Palmview. According to the Palmview Police Chief, Cazares was found in McAllen and taken into custody. The investigation is ongoing as authorities gather more details about the incident and the circumstances that led to the confrontation. Further information regarding the charges against Cazares and the victim's health status is expected to be released soon.
Public Safety2 dead following wrong-way crash near Palmview
A tragic head-on collision in Hidalgo County resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left two others critically injured. The incident occurred on August 14 at 9:26 p.m. on Texan Road, near Palmview. A blue Ford Fusion, driven by 25-year-old Jonathan Tellez-Sosa from Peñitas, was struck by a silver Chevrolet Malibu that crossed into oncoming traffic. Both Tellez-Sosa and 19-year-old Brianna Yatziri Saucedo, a passenger in the Malibu, died at the scene. The drivers of both vehicles were transported to McAllen Medical Center and are currently in critical condition. The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating the crash.
Public Safety2 dead after head-on crash in Palmview
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating a deadly two-vehicle crash that took place Friday night. At approximately 9:26 p.m., DPS troopers responded to a fatal two-vehicle crash on Texan Road south of Freedom Avenue north of Palmview in Hidalgo County, according to a news release from DPS. A preliminary investigation
Public SafetyPolice: Several people killed in Michigan homes; suspect found dead
Five people were found dead in rural northern Michigan on August 15, 2026, according to state police. Three victims were discovered in a Lake Township home, while a fourth was found in a second residence. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Chad Hickman, fled the scene but was later found dead alongside another individual in a nearby forest. The police responded to reports of gunfire and confirmed the discovery of a seriously injured fourth victim. The investigation into the motive is ongoing, and the identities of the victims have not yet been released.
Public SafetyCBP Seizes Over $634,000 in Cocaine at Pharr International Bridge
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized cocaine valued at approximately $634,000 during an inspection at the Pharr International Bridge. The incident occurred on August 7 when agents detected irregularities in a non-intrusive inspection of a tractor-trailer coming from Reynosa, Mexico. A physical inspection revealed 18 packages of suspected cocaine weighing a total of 47.48 pounds (21.54 kilograms) hidden within the vehicle. The drugs and the tractor-trailer were confiscated, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has launched a criminal investigation. CBP officials continue to utilize their skills to intercept dangerous narcotics shipments.
Public SafetyHead-On Collision Leaves Two Dead and Two Critically Injured in Hidalgo County
A head-on collision on Texan Road, north of Palmview, resulted in two fatalities and two critical injuries on the night of August 14. According to the Department of Public Safety (DPS), a blue Ford Fusion was traveling south when it was struck by a silver Chevrolet Malibu driving north in the wrong lane. The 19-year-old passenger of the Malibu, Brianna Yatziri Saucedo from Mission, and the 25-year-old driver of the Ford, Jonathan Tellez-Sosa from Penitas, both died at the scene. The drivers of both vehicles were taken to McAllen Medical Center and remain in critical condition. DPS is investigating the incident.
Public SafetyShooting at Virginia State University Involving Multiple Gunmen Leaves 5 Injured, Police Say
A shooting at Virginia State University early Saturday left five people injured, prompting campus lockdown and police investigation. The incident occurred near the Quad Annexes as students prepared for the new academic year. Authorities found the victims outside dormitories, with one confirmed as a student. While one injury was initially deemed critical, it was later classified as serious, and the student has since been released from the hospital. The university reassured the community that there is no immediate threat and lifted the lockdown. The university, located in Ettrick, Virginia, serves around 5,700 students and is historically significant as the first state-funded four-year institution for Black Americans.
Public SafetyOut of drug: Cameron County homes being marked with drug bust signs
The Cameron County Sheriff's Office is placing warning signs on the doors of drug houses in Brownsville, stating, "Sorry! We're out of drugs" and "This drug house is now closed for business." This initiative follows a recent drug bust where over 1,400 THC vape pens, gummies, marijuana, and cash were seized. Sheriff Manuel Treviño emphasizes that the signs aim to inform neighbors about potential drug activity in their area, especially with school starting. Residents have mixed reactions, with some appreciating the awareness it brings, while others find the signs somewhat absurd. The sheriff's office plans to continue this practice.
Public SafetyArmy temporarily halts Apache helicopter training missions after Texas crash that killed 2
The U.S. Army has temporarily suspended all Apache helicopter training missions following a fatal crash in Texas that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead. The crash occurred near Salado, approximately 30 miles from Fort Hood. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident. The Army emphasized that the stand-down will remain in effect until more information is available. This decision follows previous incidents where training was halted after crashes, highlighting the Army's commitment to aviation safety.
Public SafetyVerbal threat made by Weslaco middle school student under investigation, district says
The Weslaco Independent School District and the Weslaco Police Department are currently investigating a verbal threat made by a student at Central Middle School. School officials confirmed that all students and staff are safe following the incident. They urged parents to remind their children that any comments regarding school safety will be treated seriously and should be reported to a trusted adult. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to ensure a secure environment for all students.