Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyThree people, including a minor, found dead at a daycare in Minnesota
On Wednesday, three people were found dead at a daycare in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Police reported that the victims included two adults and a small child in the incident that occurred at Brown Bear Daycare in Hopkins, Minnesota, about 15 miles southwest of Minneapolis. Hopkins Police Chief Brent Johnston stated at a press conference that the two adults and the child are believed to be related. He noted that he did not know the exact age of the child but suggested that the seven children present at the daycare on Wednesday were all under 5 years old. Johnston added that the incident was isolated and that authorities are still investigating the motive. The police believe that one of the adults, a man found at the scene, was responsible for the other two deaths, according to the chief. He mentioned that the police are still investigating how the three individuals died.
Public SafetyImmigrant Calls 911 After Hearing Gunshots and Ends Up Arrested by ICE
HOUSTON, Texas – A man who called 911 after hearing gunshots outside a Home Depot in southwest Houston ended up being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while cooperating with the police investigation. The detained man was identified by ICE as Juan Francisco Monroy Turuy, a 54-year-old citizen of Guatemala. According to the federal agency, he remains in custody at an immigration processing center in Montgomery County. The incident began around 9:35 a.m. on Sunday, August 9, at 10003 Bellaire Blvd., according to information provided by the Houston Police Department (HPD). HPD reported that officers responded to a call about a suspicious person with a weapon. Upon arrival, they spoke with the man who made the report, who indicated that a suspect had fired several times in the parking lot. The suspect was identified as 24-year-old David Mendez. During the investigation, Monroy, who had made the 911 call, was detained by federal immigration agents. HPD stated that their officers did not contact federal agents and only observed them at the scene. In a new statement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicated that ICE was already in the process of detaining Monroy when HPD agents arrived and informed them that he was a witness to a crime. According to DHS, Monroy was able to give a statement to the police and identify the suspect before being taken into ICE custody. DHS confirmed that Monroy was in the United States without authorization and had previously been convicted of a crime that, according to the agency, posed a threat to public safety. The statement did not specify what that crime was. Monroy will remain in custody as his immigration proceedings continue and will have the right to due process, according to DHS.
Public SafetyElsa family relieved after missing 76-year-old father found safe
Lauro Treviño Ochoa, a 76-year-old man with dementia, was found safe in Elsa after a community search and a Silver Alert. He was reported missing around 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday and located in a field near Yucca Drive and Begonia Street, approximately half a mile from his home. His daughter, Elvira Fuentes, expressed the fear and urgency of the situation, as her father also suffers from heart problems. Local police and fire crews quickly mobilized to assist in the search. Treviño was discovered suffering from dehydration and heat exhaustion and is now recovering in a local hospital.
Public Safety'Speechless': Cat named Toast survives several days in apartment devastated by fire
Ryder Mathis escaped a devastating fire at his Midvale, Utah apartment complex on July 31, leaving behind his beloved cat, Toast Malone. Despite fears of losing Toast, who was near the fire's origin, firefighters discovered him alive days later, hiding in a closet. The fire raged for over 24 hours, displacing hundreds of residents. Mathis expressed his disbelief and gratitude upon reuniting with Toast, who survived smoke and water damage. The heartwarming reunion was shared on social media, highlighting the efforts of Salt Lake County Animal Services, particularly Sergeant Gerri Cantor, who ensured the search for Toast continued.
Public Safety'This could take months': Jury selection begins in Martinez capital murder trial
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Jury selection began Tuesday in the capital murder trial of Rogelio Martinez Jr., who is accused of fatally shooting San Benito Police Lt. Milton Resendez during a 2023 vehicle pursuit. The case is expected to draw a lengthy jury-selection process because prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. About 225 prospective jurors
Public SafetyHazmat team responds to gasoline tanker spill in Edinburg
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Edinburg Fire Department and Pharr Fire Department are on the scene involving a gasoline tanker on Raul Longoria Road, according to the city of Edinburg. Both northbound and southbound lanes on Raul Longoria Road, between Canton Road and Wisconsin Road, are closed. Drivers are asked to avoid the area and
Public SafetyBrownsville PUB: Emergency water repairs underway near El Lago area
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Public Utilities Board announced Tuesday afternoon that residents near the El Lago area may experience a water service interruption or low water pressure after a water line was struck by a contractor. Brownsville PUB crews are actively working on emergency repairs to the damaged water line, according to a news
Public SafetyHidalgo County Sheriff Office warns residents of scammers impersonating officers, demanding payments
The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office has issued a warning about a phone scam where individuals impersonate law enforcement officers to solicit money from residents. These scammers may falsely claim that the victim has a warrant, missed jury duty, or has other legal issues requiring immediate payment. They often use the names of real officers, provide fake badge or case numbers, and utilize spoofed phone numbers to appear credible. The sheriff's office emphasizes that no legitimate law enforcement agency will demand payment over the phone to avoid arrest or resolve legal matters. Residents are advised to report any suspicious calls to local authorities.
Public SafetyRio Grande City man sentenced to federal prison for child exploitation
A 32-year-old man from Rio Grande City, Jorge Alberto Bazan, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for child exploitation. He pleaded guilty on May 27, 2025, after being identified by authorities during a social media investigation. Between September 12 and September 24, 2025, Bazan communicated with someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl, expressing a desire to engage in sexual activities and soliciting explicit images. Following his prison term, he will face five years of supervised release, must adhere to restrictions on accessing children and the internet, and will be required to register as a sex offender. Bazan is currently in custody awaiting transfer to a federal facility.
Public SafetyHidalgo County Sheriff Office investigates accidental electrocution death in Mission
The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is looking into the accidental electrocution death of a 65-year-old man in Mission. Deputies were called to the 3800 block of Mirabel Street around 12:29 p.m. on August 1, where they found Eudoxio Marquez unresponsive. Emergency medical personnel declared him dead at the scene. The medical examiner confirmed that the cause of death was accidental electrocution. The investigation is still ongoing to uncover the details surrounding this tragic incident.
Public SafetyMissing Elsa man has been found, police chief says
Lauro Trevino, a 76-year-old man reported missing in Elsa, has been found and is currently receiving medical care. The Elsa Police Department had issued a critical missing person alert after Trevino was last seen around 4:30 a.m. on West Ciro Caseres Street, wearing cargo shorts and a red and orange shirt. In their search efforts, police utilized drone technology and urged local residents to check their properties and surveillance footage for any signs of Trevino. The police department encouraged anyone with information to contact them at 956-262-4721.
Public SafetyTRAFFIC ALERT – Pavement Repairs Planned on Segment of Westbound I-2 FRTG Rd, Aug. 11-14
From August 11 to 14, nighttime pavement repairs will close the westbound I-2 frontage road in McAllen between FM 2220 (Ware Road) and Bentsen Road. The work will take place nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., and the exit ramp from westbound I-2 to Shary Road will also be closed during these hours. Motorists are advised to plan their routes accordingly to avoid delays. This maintenance is part of ongoing efforts to improve road conditions in the area, as reported by TxDOT.
Public SafetyDo You Have a Toyota Camry? Check if Your Car is Affected by a Recall
Toyota is recalling approximately 655,000 Camry vehicles worldwide, the automaker confirmed on Tuesday, due to a display error that may disable safety indicators such as turn signals and hazard lights during startup. Most of the recalled cars were sold in the United States, where over 508,000 Camry Hybrids from the 2025-2026 model years are affected. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these vehicles are equipped with a 7-inch instrument panel that may go blank upon starting. In addition to turn signals and hazard lights, certain alerts such as seatbelt reminders and 'key left in ignition' warnings may also fail to function. These failures increase the risk of a crash, both for drivers who may not see warning indicators and for 'the ability of other road users to recognize the driver's intention to change direction or signal a vehicle hazard,' the NHTSA warned. Toyota Motor North America, based in Texas—a subsidiary of the larger Japanese manufacturer—indicated that it will notify all known owners of the affected Camrys to take their vehicles to a certified dealer. To address the issue, those dealers will subsequently provide a software update at no cost. Letters to owners will be mailed starting September 21 in the United States, and Toyota expects to complete those notifications by early October. In the meantime, customers can check the NHTSA and Toyota's online recall search tools to see if their car is affected. Toyota confirmed to The Associated Press via email on Tuesday that its recall affects markets in North America, the Middle East, Asia, and some countries in other regions. The company noted that the 655,000 impacted vehicles were produced between December 2023 and July 2026, at three plants located in the United States, Japan, and Thailand. For more information, customers can visit Toyota's website or contact customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Public SafetyMan accused of aggravated assault in Edcouch
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man was taken into custody on Sunday following a disorderly conduct call, according to the Edcouch Police Department. Kevin Contreras Ochoa was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and tampering with/fabricating physical evidence. At approximately 8:46 p.m. on Sunday, authorities responded to a disorderly conduct call at the 200
Public Safety65-year-old man electrocuted in rural Mission, sheriff says
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a 65-year-old man who was found unresponsive in rural Mission, the sheriff announced Tuesday. The man has been identified as 65-year-old Eudoxio Marquez. On Monday at approximately 12:29 p.m., deputies with the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office responded to the 3800 block of
Public Safety'Began by giving her hugs': Edinburg pastor accused of inappropriately touching girl at church
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An arrest affidavit obtained by ValleyCentral reveals what led to an Edinburg pastor being arrested and charged with indecency with a child. Jorge Gonzalez Martinez, 49, of Iglesia Internacional Poder y Gloria was arrested July 27 without incident following a police report filed earlier in July, as ValleyCentral previously reported. On July 19,
Public SafetyRaul Longoria Road Closed Due to Tanker Truck Accident
The Edinburg Fire Department is responding to an accident involving a gasoline tanker truck on Raul Longoria Road, south of Canton Road. Pharr Fire Department personnel also arrived to assist with emergency efforts. As a result of the accident, Raul Longoria Road remains closed to traffic in both directions, from Canton Road to Wisconsin Road. Authorities advise drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes while emergency work continues and the road remains closed. Those traveling in the area are urged to pay attention to instructions from authorities and allow extra time for their journeys.
Public SafetyDonna residents may experience low water pressure during emergency repair, city says
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The City of Donna is advising its residents that crews will be conducting an emergency water leak repair on Tuesday morning. The repairs began at 9:30 a.m. and will affect the areas from the 100 to 200 Block of S. 3rd St., including the Donna ISD Transportation Facility. According to city officials,
Public SafetyBrownsville fire damages restaurant; no injuries reported
The Brownsville Fire Department responded to a fire at C&C Wings, located in the 2000 block of Central Boulevard, early Tuesday morning. Firefighters were dispatched around 5:30 a.m. after reports of smoke from the roof. Upon arrival, they discovered flames and smoke emanating from one corner of the building. Crews quickly contained the fire to a limited area, and fortunately, the restaurant was unoccupied at the time, resulting in no injuries. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Brownsville Fire Marshal's Office.