Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyBrownsville fire official offers fireworks safety tips ahead of Fourth of July
As the Fourth of July approaches, marking 250 years of American independence, Brownsville fire officials are emphasizing fireworks safety. Assistant Deputy Chief Eugeno Cardenas warns that this time of year sees a rise in burn injuries related to fireworks. He advises families to take precautions, such as keeping a bucket of water nearby, avoiding holding fireworks in hand, and ensuring a safe distance from structures and dry grass. Residents are also encouraged to check local ordinances regarding fireworks before celebrating to ensure a safe holiday for everyone.
Public SafetyCameron County mom sentenced to probation after kidnapping daughter during custody dispute
A mother from Cameron County, Lillian Maria Crouch, has been sentenced to five years of probation after pleading guilty to interfering with child custody. The charge stemmed from an incident in July 2024, when she abducted her daughter, Rilee Crouch, from South Padre Island, despite not having custody. The two were located in December 2024 in Panama while trying to enter Turkey with fraudulent documents. Crouch's case highlights the serious legal consequences of custody disputes and parental abduction.
Public SafetyAn Edinburg family lost everything after a fire destroyed their home
An Edinburg family lost their home to a fire on Sunday on East Ingle Road, near FM 2812. Alicia Ortiz recounted the devastating moment her parents saw their house of over 30 years engulfed in flames. The Edinburg Fire Department, along with crews from McAllen, Pharr, San Manuel, Elsa, and Edcouch, responded quickly but the wooden structure was a total loss. The fire reportedly started when the homeowner was burning trash, which spread to nearby grass and debris. Fortunately, the family was treated for minor smoke inhalation and released from the hospital. They are receiving support from the American Red Cross while the Hidalgo County Fire Marshal investigates the incident.
Public SafetyInvestigation underway in Rancho Viejo after man found dead in driveway
The Rancho Viejo Police Department is conducting an investigation following the discovery of a deceased man in a driveway. Officers responded to the 700 block of Zapata Avenue at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Monday, where they found the man unresponsive. Emergency Medical Services pronounced him dead at the scene. The police are collaborating with the Texas Rangers to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death, but details regarding the cause have not yet been disclosed.
Public SafetyCameron Co. Sheriff's Prisoners at Work program continues cemetary cleanup
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Cameron County Sheriff's Office says its Prisoners at Work Program continues to keep the community and local cemeteries clean. According to the Cameron County Sheriff's Office, on Monday morning, workers cleaned up two cemeteries located in the county. One cemetery was located near Encantada Circle and Highway 281, and another near
Public SafetyCriminal Leader Linked to Murder of Mexico City Officials Captured
MEXICO CITY – The Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) of the Mexican government confirmed on Monday the arrest of a man identified as Jovany ‘N’, who is considered a key member of the criminal cell responsible for the murder of two public officials in Mexico City. The detainee, known as 'La Muñeca', is accused of being one of the individuals who carried out the murder of public officials Ximena Guzmán and José Muñoz, close to the head of government, Clara Brugada. This crime occurred in May 2025 and prompted an intelligence operation in the state of Morelos. The federal agency detailed that the capture was a direct result of an extensive exchange of information and the following of investigative leads carried out in close collaboration with the Attorney General's Office and the Mexico City Citizen Security Secretariat.
Public Safety5-year-old child ejected from vehicle in Alamo expressway crash in stable condition, police say
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A 5-year-old child who was ejected from a vehicle during a rollover crash on the Alamo expressway earlier this month is in stable condition, according to the Alamo Police Department. The child sustained severe head trauma and was in critical condition following the crash on June 19. In an update on Monday,
Public Safety40-Year Prison Term for Former School Board President Convicted of Child Exploitation
Jerry James Svatek Jr., a 61-year-old former president of the Boling Independent School District Board, has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for child exploitation and possession of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. handed down the sentence after Svatek pleaded guilty in December 2025. The court heard that he had shared explicit images of a family relative in an online community. In addition to his prison term, Svatek must pay $78,500 in restitution and will be on supervised release for life, with restrictions on internet access and contact with children. He was identified during an undercover investigation into child sexual abuse material.
Public SafetyCelebrating Law Enforcement Excellence At TGIA Conference
At the 35th Annual Texas Gang Investigators Association (TGIA) Conference in San Antonio, Governor Greg Abbott honored exceptional law enforcement professionals during an awards ceremony. He thanked officers for their dedication to public safety and emphasized Texas's commitment to combatting gang activity through initiatives like the establishment of ten Anti-Gang Centers and a strong bail reform package. Award recipients included Peace Officer of the Year Josh Cisneros, Corrections Officer of the Year Kimberly Yearwood, and others. The Governor also recognized scholarship recipients who help officers attend the conference, highlighting the importance of continued education in law enforcement.
Public SafetyUpdate on Medical Condition of Child Ejected from Vehicle in Alamo Accident
Alamo Police reported that the 5-year-old boy injured in the accident involving a Dodge Durango and a tractor-trailer remains in stable condition, according to the latest information provided by Alamo police. The accident occurred west of Expressway 83 in Alamo when a tractor-trailer struck a Dodge Durango. According to the investigation, the driver of the tractor-trailer fled the scene. As a result of the impact, the child was ejected from the vehicle and suffered severe traumatic brain injury.
Public SafetyNo major injuries reported after vehicle fires in rural Cameron County
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — No major injuries were reported after three vehicles caught fire in rural Cameron County over the weekend. According to the Los Fresnos Fire Department, at approximately 1:09 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to a vehicle rollover with multiple vehicles on fire. When fire officials arrived at the scene, they found three vehicles on
Public SafetyProbation for Man Who Killed Cat in Mission
Alec Omar Espericueta, accused of brutally killing a cat in Mission, was sentenced to 10 years of probation and must donate $3,000 to an animal shelter as part of the case resolution. The incident occurred in April 2025 in the parking lot of a gym in Mission. A witness reported the case to authorities after witnessing the event. The witness stated that Espericueta, 20, trapped the cat, placed it in a plastic bag, and allegedly struck it repeatedly against a surface and the pavement. The prosecution claimed he then used a rock and stomped on its head, causing its death. Following the sentencing, Den Dea Balli, executive director of the Palm Valley Animal Society (PAWS), expressed that the judge's decision sends an important message against animal cruelty. They also reiterated the call to report any acts of animal cruelty so that such crimes can be investigated and punished.
Public SafetyHow Automated License Plate Tech Helped Texas DPS Crack a Houston AMBER Alert
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has successfully located two missing children, Escarleth Vasquez, 15, and Alejandro Vasquez, 1, following a statewide AMBER Alert issued from Bexar County. The investigation began on June 22, 2026, at the request of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Utilizing Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR), investigators tracked a suspect vehicle to an apartment complex in Houston, where the children were found safe on June 25. The investigation is ongoing, and DPS appreciates the public's assistance in responding to the alert.
Public SafetyAfter high-speed chase near Roma, man accused of smuggling marijuana pleads not guilty
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man accused of smuggling nearly 500 pounds of marijuana through Starr County pleaded not guilty last week. David Garcia, 27, of Zapata waived his right to arraignment on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty. The Texas Department of Public Safety arrested Garcia after a high-speed chase, according to the criminal complaint
Public SafetyDisturbing: Worker Finds Newborn Remains in Portable Bathroom at Music Festival
The remains of a newborn baby were discovered on Sunday in a bathroom at a music festival in Michigan, as investigators seek public assistance to clarify this disturbing case, authorities reported. The body 'of a newborn was found in a portable bathroom located in the camping area of the Electric Forest festival on Sunday morning,' the Michigan State Police stated in a release. According to authorities, a worker from the company responsible for maintaining the bathrooms made the grim discovery during a routine inspection. The four-day festival took place at the Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury, about 60 miles northwest of Grand Rapids.
Public SafetyDeath investigation underway in Rancho Viejo
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Rancho Viejo Police Department is investigating a death that occurred within the town, the department said Monday morning. Investigators continue to process the scene. Police said there is no danger to the public and the community is safe. The public is being asked to avoid the area to allow law
Public Safety'Our goal is compliance and safety': Brownsville mayor on Midtown Entertainment District shutdowns
Editor's note: The video above is from previous coverage. HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In a statement on Sunday, Brownsville Mayor John Cowen said the city's priority is safety following the recent shutdown of several businesses in the Midtown Entertainment District. According to Mayor Cowen, during peak nightlife hours from Jan. 1, 2025, through June 24, 2026,
Public SafetyCBP Officers Seize More than $72.3M in Meth at Laredo Ports of Entry
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Laredo ports seized over $72.3 million worth of methamphetamine in two operations on June 19. The first seizure involved 7,047.73 pounds of meth hidden in a 2011 Dodge Ram at the World Trade Bridge, valued at approximately $63 million. The second seizure at Pharr International Bridge involved 1,042.78 pounds of meth, worth about $9.3 million, found in a tractor trailer from Reynosa, Mexico. Both operations highlight the ongoing drug threat and the commitment of CBP officers to border security, with investigations initiated by Homeland Security Investigations.
Public SafetyMan Sought for Alleged Theft at Harlingen Academy Store
The Harlingen ‘Area Crime Stoppers’ organization released an image of a suspect connected to a theft that occurred at an Academy store in Harlingen. They are asking anyone who recognizes him or has information about his identity or whereabouts to contact them. Reports can be made completely anonymously, and if the information provided leads to an arrest, the person may be eligible for a reward. Those wishing to assist can call (956) 425-TIPS (8477), submit their tip through the website www.425TIPS.com, or use the P3 Tips app.