Public Safety

'Infested zones,' new screwworm cases have border residents on edge

Ranchers and residents attended an information session Tuesday in Rio Grande City, Texas, to learn about new infestation zones and surveillance zones in STarr County, after a calf was found infected with New World screwworm on Saturday in neighboring Jim Hogg County.

$250K bail for Alton man accused in shooting deaths of family

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A 19-year-old man accused of shooting and killing his father, mother and grandmother inside their Alton home appeared before a judge Wednesday morning. Gaurav Chopra, 19, of Alton, was previously being held without bond after being charged with capital murder of multiple persons and attempt to commit capital murder in connection

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Jul 1, 2026

Judge Denies Bail to Gaurav Chopra, Accused of Triple Homicide in Alton

Gaurav Chopra, a 19-year-old former student at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), appeared in court on July 1 regarding a triple homicide case in Alton. During the hearing, his defense requested bail, but the judge denied the request, meaning Chopra will remain in Hidalgo County Jail without bail as the legal proceedings continue. Family members of the victims were present in the courtroom during the hearing. The next hearing is scheduled for Monday, July 6, at 1:00 p.m. in Court 398, where Judge Keno Vázquez will listen to witness testimonies as part of the case.

Man hospitalized after crash on State Highway 107 near La Villa

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A man was hospitalized on Tuesday following a crash near La Villa. The La Villa Fire Department was dispatched to the crash site on the corner of FM 1425 and State Highway 107. La Villa fire crews shared images of the crash site on its social media page. The images show

'Illegally confined': Hearing set to determine course of Alton triple-homicide case

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A hearing is scheduled for a 19-year-old man accused of shooting and killing his father, mother and grandmother inside their Alton home. Gaurav Chopra is currently being held without bond at the Hidalgo County Jail after he was charged with capital murder in the deaths of Sweeta Ram, 56; Kamlesh Rani,

Judge considers motion to dismiss wrongful death lawsuit against energy drink distributors

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A judge in Hidalgo County held a hearing on a motion to dismiss the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Weslaco teenager Larissa Rodriguez against the local distributors of a popular energy drink. The lawsuit has captured national attention and was cited as a driving factor in Texas Attorney General

'No Refusal' campaign aimed at reducing DWIs during Fourth of July weekend

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County District Attorney's Office is collaborating with law enforcement agencies to reduce the number of alcohol-related crashes and fatalities this Fourth of July weekend. The No Refusal Enforcement Initiative is a collaborative effort with agencies across the Rio Grande Valley that will allow officers to obtain blood search warrants

Body found near Hidalgo, Starr Co. line: Starr Co. Sheriff

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Starr County Sheriff's Office is working to identify a body found on the Starr/Hidalgo County line on Tuesday. According to a news release from the Starr County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a body found West of the Starr/Hidalgo County line. At this time, investigators are working to identify the body, and

Rancho Viejo PD rules out foul play in death investigation

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Rancho Viejo Police Department has ruled out foul play in the death investigation of a man found unresponsive in his driveway, according to an update from the police department. The unidentified man was found at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Monday, after police responded to his home on the 700 block of

Nearly $1 Million in Cocaine Seized During Brooks County Traffic Stop

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) seized 30 bundles of cocaine during a traffic stop in Brooks County on June 26, 2026. A DPS Trooper stopped a maroon Kia Sorento SUV on US 281 in Encino for a traffic violation. Upon receiving consent to search the vehicle, the Trooper discovered the cocaine, which weighed about 75 pounds and had an estimated street value of $780,000. The drugs were reportedly intended for Pasadena, Texas. Maria Briceno, 38, from Rio Grande City, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and taken to Brooks County Jail.

Three of Texas’ Most Wanted Captured Across the State

Three of Texas' 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders have been apprehended across the state. Eduardo Fuentes, a 32-year-old gang member, was arrested at the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge after evading authorities since October 2025. Kenneth Patterson, 64, was captured in Plano on June 24, wanted for failing to register as a sex offender since December 2025. Leroy Lewis Jr., 53, was taken into custody in Houston on June 22, also for registration violations. Texas Crime Stoppers offers rewards for tips leading to arrests, with $61,500 paid out in 2026 for 44 apprehensions, including 32 sex offenders.

Decomposed body found in rural La Villa cornfield identified: Sheriff

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday identified the decomposed body that was found in a cornfield in rural La Villa last week. The body has been identified as 52-year-old Jesus Garcia. According to an update, the investigation regarding "the circumstances surrounding the death" of Garcia remains active. No additional details will

DPS Stepping Up Enforcement for America’s 250th Birthday

In preparation for the Fourth of July and the celebration of America's 250th anniversary, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is enhancing enforcement on the roads. From July 2-5, Troopers will focus on Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (CARE), targeting speeding, intoxicated driving, and violations of the Move Over, Slow Down law. Last year, DPS issued over 64,000 citations and made 277 DWI arrests. They urge the public to prioritize safety by not drinking and driving, wearing seat belts, and reporting hazards. Fireworks should be used safely and responsibly, especially during community events.

After 13 years on the run, former Hidalgo County district clerk held without bond

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Former Hidalgo County District Clerk Omar Guerrero sat in a jury box at the federal courthouse in McAllen and yawned. After 13 years running from the law, Guerrero had nowhere to go — and nothing to do but wait. “We’re not asking for bond. He doesn’t want it either,” said attorney

Suspected Tango Valluco Gang Member Captured at Hidalgo Border Bridge

Eduardo Quiñones Fuentes, 32, was considered a documented member of the Tango Valluco gang and was captured on June 22 while attempting to enter the United States at the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge. According to court records, Fuentes violated a 10-year probation sentence related to a sexual assault case involving a 29-year-old woman. Several state and federal agencies involved in the investigation indicated that Fuentes had been wanted since October 2025, when the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles issued a warrant for violating the conditions of his probation. That same month, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issued another warrant for obstruction, and in November 2025, a Hidalgo County court recorded an arrest warrant against him for failing to comply with the requirements for sex offender registration.

Body Found Between Starr and Hidalgo Counties

The lifeless body was located west of the dividing line between Starr and Hidalgo counties; so far, the Starr County Sheriff's Office has stated that there are no indications of a crime, although the investigation remains active and ongoing. Additionally, investigators reported that they are working to identify the deceased individual while continuing to clarify the circumstances of the case.

Pharr Police Department Honored Statewide for Commitment to Hiring Veterans

The Pharr Police Department has received statewide recognition from the Texas Workforce Commission and other organizations for its commitment to hiring veterans. The award was presented at the Texas Conference for Employers on June 26, 2026. Pharr Police Chief Juan F. Gonzalez, along with Assistant Chiefs Michael Rodriguez and Daniel Leal, and Sergeant Luis Hernandez, accepted the honor. Approximately 20% of the department's workforce consists of veterans. Additionally, the department's Mental Paws Program fosters connections among veterans and provides resources, including interaction with a therapy dog. The department expresses gratitude for the recognition of its veteran employment efforts.

Identity of Man Found Dead in Cornfield Revealed

The discovery of the body occurred on June 26 in an agricultural area, following a report to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. After the investigation began, authorities have determined that the deceased individual is 52-year-old Jesús García. The sheriff's office reported that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding García's death remains active, and there is currently no additional information available regarding the cause or manner of death. Additionally, they are asking anyone with information related to this case to contact (956) 383-8114 or call Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers at (956) 668-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip through the P3 Tips app.

Ford Calls Back 741,000 Vehicles: This Fault Could Cause Crashes or Injuries

Ford will recall over 741,000 vehicles in the United States due to a transmission issue that could damage the parking system, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the recall includes certain vehicles: Ford F-150, Lincoln Aviator, Ford Explorer, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Expedition, models from 2018 to 2021. The report states that affected vehicles may experience a temporary coupling of the parking pawl in the transmission while the vehicle is in motion, which could damage components of the parking system. If damage occurs, the transmission's parking function may fail to keep the vehicle stationary if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of unintended movement in 'park' and thus the risk of a crash or injury. The NHTSA noted that Ford is aware of 24 property damage claims and nine alleged injuries—two of which are claims of emotional distress—related to the issue. Vehicle owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealership to update the Powertrain Control Module with the latest software. Dealers will also inspect the vehicle's transmission for damage to the parking system and replace any damaged components as necessary, at no cost to the owners. Vehicle owners can contact Ford's customer service in the U.S. at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 for more information.