Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyTeen arrested in connection with 2023 murder case, Cameron County DA says
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A teen wanted in connection with a 2023 murder case was arrested on Thursday, according to the Brownsville Police Department and the Cameron County District Attorney's Office. According to the Cameron County District Attorney Luis V. Saenz, in February 2023, Brownsville police responded to an apartment complex and found a victim who
Public SafetyPalmview police search for man accused of stabbing friend
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Palmview Police Department is searching for a man accused of stabbing his friend with a bladed weapon early Friday morning. Authorities are searching for Heriberto Cazares, 33, who was last seen wearing a grey shirt and black pants. Cazares, who is believed to be homeless, may be carrying a backpack. Palmview
Public SafetyPalmview police search for stabbing suspect
Palmview police are searching for Heriberto Cazares, a suspect in a stabbing incident that occurred on Milagro Lane. Officers responded to the scene on Thursday night, discovering a man with multiple stab wounds to his torso. The victim was transported to a hospital and is currently in stable condition. Chief Jose Trevino reported that the altercation involved two individuals who were acquainted, and there is no threat to the public. Cazares, who may be homeless, was last seen wearing a gray t-shirt and black pants. Authorities encourage anyone with information to call the Palmview Police Department at 956-432-0303.
Public SafetyWeslaco ISD, police investigate following middle school student verbal threat
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 aims to ensure the safety and well-being of the school community.
Public SafetyIt Could Have Been a Disaster: Incident Between Two Planes with the Same Flight Number Averted
On Friday, a potential disaster was averted when an air traffic controller in Phoenix realized that two American Airlines planes were mistakenly flying with the same flight number. The controller acted quickly to prevent confusion and maintain a safe distance between the two aircraft. Audio recordings of the incident show how the controller found a solution to ensure that both planes, identified as 'American 2482,' maintained proper separation, as one was arriving from Chicago shortly after the other had taken off from Phoenix. 'I've been working in air traffic control for 25 years. I've never seen two aircraft practically coincide with the same call sign. It's incredible,' the controller commented after the departing plane left the area without incident. If both pilots had believed the controller was instructing them to fly at the same altitude while heading toward each other, a collision could have occurred; thus, it was crucial for them to know which aircraft the controller was referring to at all times. The quick reaction ensured that the controller's instructions were clear. The audio published by ATC.com shows how the controller quickly began to distinguish between 'American 2482 arriving' and 'American 2482 departing' to avoid confusing the two aircraft. The controller kept the arriving plane at a safe altitude above the departing one, even as their paths converged, and ensured that the pilots of both flights could see each other while still miles apart. The pilot of the arriving flight congratulated the controller on a 'job well done' once both planes had crossed paths without incident. 'It could have been a disaster, but I'm glad everything turned out well,' the controller replied. An expert noted that the airline likely overlooked the coincidence of the flights. Steve Arroyo, an aviation safety expert, stated that someone in the airline's dispatch center probably did not realize that both planes would be in the air simultaneously with identical flight numbers, even though both the dispatcher and the pilots had approved the flight plan. 'Failures can occur—something that shouldn't happen—but it's good to see that the system is resilient and that we have all the safeguards in place,' Arroyo said, who has only witnessed this type of incident a couple of times in his four decades at United Airlines. Arroyo began his career as a flight dispatcher before becoming a pilot. Flight 2482 covers a round trip route usually operating between Chicago and Phoenix. Typically, the same aircraft is used for both legs, but the flight departing from Chicago was delayed due to weather conditions; therefore, American Airlines assigned a second plane in Phoenix, and that flight departed on schedule. As a result, both planes briefly shared the same airspace before the arriving flight landed. Authorities and the airline will determine how the incident occurred. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and American Airlines will investigate what happened; both parties expressed satisfaction that all occupants remained safe. 'The diligence and professionalism of the air traffic controllers and our pilots ensured that regulatory separation was maintained at all times, as well as the identification and resolution of the problem. Both flights continued safely and without incident,' American Airlines stated in a release.
Public Safety'Felt like a hot oven': Man left chihuahua inside truck in 100-degree heat, docs allege
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man was arrested on an animal cruelty charge after McAllen police say he left his chihuahua inside his truck in 100-degree heat while he was inside a Cheddar's restaurant, according to an offense report obtained by ValleyCentral. Jonathan Daniel Martinez-Garza of Rio Grande City was charged with cruelty to non-livestock animal,
Public SafetyU.S. Army Suspends Apache Helicopter Operations Following Texas Accident
The U.S. Army has ordered a temporary suspension of flight training operations with AH-64 Apache helicopters, according to a statement released Friday afternoon. 'This measure will remain in effect until the underlying cause of the accident is better understood,' the official communication states. The order comes after one of these aircraft crashed near Fort Hood, Texas, last Wednesday. 'The Army deeply regrets the loss of two soldiers in the recent AH-64 Apache helicopter accident,' the institution noted. The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine, four-blade multi-role attack helicopter designed as a highly stable airborne weapons platform, which the Army describes on its website as 'the most advanced combat aircraft in the world.'
Public SafetyCBP seizes 47 pounds of cocaine at Pharr bridge
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized approximately 47 pounds of cocaine at the Pharr International Bridge last week. On Aug. 7, CBP officers stationed at the Pharr bridge came across a tractor-trailer traveling from Reynosa, Mexico. According to a CBP news release, officers referred the vehicle to a secondary inspection, where
Public SafetyCooluli Recalls 250,000 Mini Fridges Due to Fire and Burn Risks
Cooluli is recalling approximately 250,000 mini fridges due to fire and burn hazards. According to a notice published Thursday by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the recalled mini refrigerators, which come in '2.6-gallon' and '3.9-gallon' sizes, have an electrical switch that can short-circuit. Cooluli explained on its website that 'in some older units, the selector switch that toggles between Cooling and Heating modes can overheat.' To date, the CPSC reports that the company has received at least 19 reports of products smoking, sparking, burning, melting, overheating, or catching fire. The CPSC noted that these incidents have caused property damage exceeding $80,000, and one customer reported smoke inhalation.
Public SafetyRemoval of overhead power lines to impact expressway traffic in San Benito, Aug. 30
On Sunday, August 30, a utility contractor will remove de-energized power lines over the expressway in San Benito, leading to lane closures and rolling stops from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The work will take place at the intersection of 2000 Scott Brown Blvd. and I-69E (US 77/US 83), south of Oscar Williams Road. Law enforcement will manage traffic control, and digital message boards will be set up 10 days prior to inform drivers about the upcoming work and lane restrictions. Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes during this time.
Public SafetyHorror in the Air: Passenger's Head Sucked Out of Window After Engine Fragment Breaks It
Fragments from an engine broke a window on a Ryanair flight shortly after takeoff in Greece last month, causing a man's head to be sucked out of the opening before other passengers pulled him back into the plane, U.S. investigators reported on Thursday. A fan blade from the right engine of the Boeing 737-800 detached, sending fragments that broke the window and damaged the fuselage in several areas, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Greece transferred the investigation to the U.S. agency in accordance with international aviation regulations. The incident, which occurred on July 10, took place after the flight took off from the city of Thessaloniki in northern Greece. Investigators found bird remains inside the engine, suggesting that the plane may have struck birds during takeoff, although they have not yet determined the cause of the fan blade's detachment.
Public SafetyAuthorities Seek Tomb Raiders in at Least Nine States
ORLANDO — Authorities are searching for three suspects involved in raiding tombs in cemeteries across at least nine states, stealing family heirlooms and other valuables. The suspects — a mother, her daughter, and the daughter's boyfriend — 'toured the eastern half of the United States,' forcibly breaking into niches and mausoleums, stated Deputy Cole Brazee of the Orange County Sheriff's Office in Florida. Arrest warrants have been issued for 32-year-old Porsche Bancroft; her boyfriend, 33-year-old Drake Lee Milam; and Bancroft's mother, 52-year-old Angela Garrett.
Public SafetyCBP Officers Seize Over $600k in Cocaine at Pharr International Bridge
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized $634,000 worth of cocaine at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility. The drugs were hidden in a commercial tractor-trailer that had traveled from Reynosa, Mexico. On August 7, CBP officers used nonintrusive inspection equipment to identify anomalies in the vehicle, leading to a physical inspection that uncovered 18 packages of cocaine weighing a total of 47.48 pounds (21.54 kg). The narcotics and the vehicle were confiscated, and Homeland Security Investigations has launched a criminal investigation into the incident.
Public SafetyPharr PD Launches TxDOT Labor Day Impaired Driving Enforcement Campaign
The Pharr Police Department has launched the 2026 TxDOT Labor Day Impaired Driving Mobilization (IDM) Wave, an initiative aimed at reducing fatal and serious injury crashes through increased traffic enforcement. From August 14 to September 7, 2026, officers will enhance patrols throughout the city to promote safe driving habits. The campaign focuses on deterring dangerous behaviors such as driving while intoxicated and speeding. The department encourages motorists to designate a sober driver, use ride-sharing services, and plan ahead if consuming alcohol. For more information, contact the Pharr Police Department at (956) 402-4700.
Public SafetyLuigi Mangione pleads guilty in UnitedHealthcare CEO's killing: 'I shot Mr. Thompson'
Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty on Friday to federal stalking charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Public SafetyDeaf, non-verbal man reported missing out of Brownsville
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The Brownsville Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a missing man. Mario Alberto Soto, 76, was last seen at his home located at the 1800 block of Palm Blvd. in Brownsville. Police believe Soto was last seen wearing a gray shirt, blue jeans and a red hat.
Public SafetyPhase three begins for Mercedes drainage improvement project
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Mercedes is one step closer to finalizing a major project aimed at improving its stormwater system to reduce flooding in the area. Local and state leaders gathered on Thursday to break ground on the third phase of the South Mercedes Lateral Improvements Project. The Texas General Land Office
Public SafetyBell Co. Sheriff's Office issues updates on Ft. Hood chopper crash
BELL COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44) - The Bell County Sheriff's Office is hosting a press conference regarding the U.S. Army "Apache" helicopter crash in Salado on Wednesday afternoon. You can watch the press conference in the video above. FOX 44 News has learned that this was a 1st Cavalry Division “Apache” helicopter with two soldiers
Public SafetyMedical emergency causes driver to strike pillar in Edinburg
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A driver hit a pillar after experiencing a medical emergency behind the wheel Thursday morning, according to a spokesperson for the city of Edinburg. At approximately 9:35 a.m., emergency responders with the city of Edinburg were dispatched to the 3100 block of West Alberta Road regarding a one-vehicle crash. According to