Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyElsa police search for missing 76-year-old man
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Elsa Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating a 76-year-old missing man. Lauro Trevino, 76, was last seen at approximately 4:30 a.m. wearing a red and orange shirt and cargo shorts at the 200 block of W. Ciro Caseres, according to a critical missing persons alert on Tuesday. Elsa
Public SafetyFire at C&C Wings in Brownville under investigation
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Fire Department Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of a fire at the C&C Wings on Central Boulevard on Tuesday. At approximately 5:30 a.m., six fire department units, two command staff officers and one ambulance responded to the restaurant located on the 2000 block of Central Boulevard regarding
Public SafetyRoma Investigates Unusual Odor in Drinking Water Supply
The Public Water System of the City of Roma issued an official notice to address community complaints regarding an unusual odor in the water supply. Authorities reported that quality readings and chlorine levels in the system meet the standards set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), which classifies odor changes as a secondary aesthetic factor. Despite the water meeting regulatory requirements, municipal staff are taking preventive measures and have begun to flush the main pipes in various areas. This process aims to accelerate water circulation and investigate the exact source of the odor in the affected zones. During these cleaning operations, residents and local businesses may notice temporary variations in water clarity or pressure. Authorities will continue to monitor the distribution system and appreciate the public's understanding while the situation is resolved.
Public SafetyInvestigation Underway into Electrocution Death of 65-Year-Old Man in Mission
A tragic incident occurred in a rural area of Mission, where a 65-year-old man lost his life due to an accidental electric shock. Local authorities responded to the scene after receiving an emergency report about an unconscious person on private property. The incident took place in the 3800 block of Mirabel Street. Upon arrival, agents from the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office requested the immediate presence of emergency medical services. However, after paramedics conducted their assessment, the victim, identified as Eudoxio Márquez, was pronounced dead at the scene. 'The Medical Examiner performed the appropriate autopsy and determined that the cause of death was an accidental electrocution,' the Sheriff's Office stated in its official release. Authorities noted that the investigation remains open to clarify the exact circumstances that led to this unfortunate event. They are calling on anyone with additional information to contact the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office at (956) 383-8114, or to make an anonymous report through the Crime Stoppers line at (956) 668-8477.
Public Safety"The pain will not destroy me": heartbreaking message from Gabriela Nicole's mother on the anniversary of her murder
This Tuesday marks one year since the murder of Gabriela Nicole Pratts, a crime that shocked Puerto Rico and some areas of the United States. Lisandra Rosario, the mother of the 16-year-old who was killed on August 11, 2025, allegedly at the hands of Anthonieska Avilés and in complicity with her mother, Elvia Cabrera Rivera, posted a heartbreaking message on social media. "Lela, it deeply hurts me that you are not here to experience everything you were missing. It hurts me that someone decided to take your life in the cruelest way and left us with this void that we never chose," Rosario wrote on her Facebook account.
Public SafetyMissing Person Alert in Elsa
The Elsa Police Department has issued an official alert to locate 76-year-old Lauro Trevino. Mr. Trevino was last seen around 4:30 a.m. in the 200 block of W. Ciro Caseres in Elsa. Due to his age and the circumstances of his disappearance, authorities have classified him as a missing person in critical condition. At the time of his disappearance, Mr. Trevino was wearing cargo shorts and a red and orange t-shirt. The police are asking for the support of all residents in the area to expedite his location and ensure his well-being. Neighbors are requested to thoroughly check their properties, including yards, sheds, land, and parked vehicles. The community is also asked to review footage from their security cameras or doorbell cameras taken from 4:30 a.m. for any possible sightings. If you have any information about Lauro Trevino's whereabouts or believe you have seen him, please contact the Elsa Police Department immediately at 956-262-4721 or call 911. Your help and sharing of this information can make a difference.
Public SafetyKitten rescued as firefighters extinguish Alamo house fires caused by vehicle blaze
On Monday, the Alamo Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire that spread to three homes on San Diego Drive, destroying two of them. Firefighters arrived around 2 p.m. to find a vehicle ablaze under a carport. The fire caused total loss to two homes, while a third suffered about 50% damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and firefighters rescued a kitten from one of the affected houses. The fire was controlled by 5 p.m., with assistance from the Donna Fire Department. The Hidalgo County Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the blaze.
Public SafetyJury selection set to begin for man charged in San Benito police officer death
Jury selection is set to begin on August 11 for Rogelio Martinez, who is charged with the shooting death of San Benito Police Lieutenant Milton Resendez in 2023. Resendez was killed during a high-speed chase involving Martinez and another suspect from Mexico. Prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty against Martinez. The second suspect, 26-year-old Rodrigo Axel Espinosa-Valdez, was the driver during the incident and has already pleaded guilty to murder. He is scheduled for sentencing later this month. This case has drawn significant attention due to the tragic loss of the police officer.
Public SafetyJudge to decide if Brownsville library shooting suspect is competent to stand trial
A Cameron County judge will determine if Humberto Paz, accused of a fatal shooting at the Brownsville Public Library, is competent to stand trial. Paz, who allegedly killed 71-year-old Vahid Khaledi in May 2024, appeared in court on Monday. Previously deemed incompetent for trial, a doctor has now indicated that Paz has regained his competency. The judge is expected to make a ruling in September regarding his trial readiness. Paz's attorneys mentioned they still need to submit motions. If found competent, the case will proceed to a jury trial.
Public SafetyHCSO warns public of surge of suspicious calls
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is warning the public of ongoing false phone calls. According to a news release from HSCO, people are calling residents, impersonating law enforcement and attempting to collect money. During the calls, the caller claim the person has a warrant, missed jury duty, failed to appear in court,
Public SafetyRoadway damage reported on FM 1420 in Santa Monica: TxDOT
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Motorists in Willacy County are advised to drive with caution in the Santa Monica area. According to the Willacy County Sheriff's Office, there is major roadway damage reported in the north and southbound lanes of FM 1420 just south of the second levee in the Santa Monica area. A Texas Department of
Public SafetyBrownsville man arrested after more than 1, 400 THC vapes found in home
A Brownsville resident, Leonardo Villegas, was arrested after authorities discovered over 1,400 THC vape pens and other drugs in his home on El Cauce Street. The Cameron County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant on August 7, leading to the seizure of approximately 1,470 vape pens, THC gummies, pre-rolled cigarettes, and nearly 40 ounces of high-grade marijuana. Additionally, $6,221 in cash was found. The total estimated street value of the drugs is around $88,000. Villegas faces multiple charges, including manufacturing or delivering a controlled substance and possession of marijuana, alongside several outstanding warrants.
Public SafetyRio Grande City Man Sentenced to 5 years for Soliciting Sexually Explicit Photos of Minors
Jorge Alberto Bazan, a 32-year-old from Rio Grande City, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for soliciting sexually explicit photos from minors. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane imposed the sentence after Bazan pleaded guilty on May 27. In addition to his prison term, Bazan will undergo five years of supervised release with strict conditions to limit his access to children and the internet. He was identified during a 2025 social media investigation, where he communicated with someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl, soliciting inappropriate images. Bazan will also register as a sex offender.
Public SafetyProsecutors drop DWI charge against former Peñitas cop who passed out behind the wheel
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Prosecutors dropped a drunken driving charge against a former police officer last week after he completed a “Drug & Alcohol Awareness Class.” The Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office dropped the case against Joseph James Granchelli, 37, of New Braunfels on Wednesday. “I didn’t even know who this kid was, to tell
Public SafetyPharr Police Department Earns Prestigious State Accreditation
The Pharr Police Department has achieved Accreditation Status through the Texas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, a recognition awarded to agencies that meet high standards of professionalism and accountability. This honor, presented by the Texas Police Chiefs Association, places Pharr PD among the elite, with less than 2% of Texas agencies receiving this accreditation. It is now the fourth accredited agency in the Rio Grande Valley and the third in Hidalgo County. Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez praised the department's commitment to excellence, while Police Chief Juan F. Gonzalez highlighted the collective effort of the team in achieving this significant milestone.
Public SafetyBrownsville man arrested in home raid with 1,400 THC vapes
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Cameron County Sheriff's Office arrested a man Friday following the execution of a search warrant where investigators found THC vape pens, THC-infused gummies, marijuana and money inside a Brownsville home. Leonardo Villegas, 19, from Brownsville was charged with the following: On Friday, the Investigations Unit with the Cameron County Sheriff's
Public SafetyLos Fresnos man pleads guilty, faces 35 yrs for deadly shooting
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Los Fresnos man pleaded guilty to the murder of Clemente Medina, according to Cameron County court records. On Monday, Miguel Monrreal entered a guilty plea for murder, a first-degree felony, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony. According to court records, the court found Monrreal mentally competent to
Public SafetyFire Started in a Vehicle Affects a Home in Donna
A fire reported at 216 San Diego Street prompted local emergency responders after flames from a vehicle quickly spread to a nearby residential structure. The Donna Fire Department arrived on the scene to provide immediate support and coordinate control efforts. Thanks to the swift intervention of rescue teams, the fire was successfully contained before it could cause further damage to the surrounding area. Authorities confirmed that no injuries to people or animals were reported as a result of the fire or smoke. Firefighters are currently on-site conducting cooling operations and extinguishing hot spots to secure the area and prevent any potential reignition of the flames.
Public Safety$1.7M Worth of Cocaine Seized by CBP Officers at Del Rio Port of Entry
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Del Rio Port of Entry seized over $1.7 million worth of cocaine on August 4. The operation began when a 2013 Dodge Durango, driven by a 29-year-old U.S. citizen, was referred for a secondary inspection. Using a nonintrusive inspection system, officers found 49 packages containing a total of 129.67 pounds of cocaine hidden in the vehicle. The estimated street value of the drugs is $1,731,425. Following the seizure, one arrest was made, and a criminal investigation is underway, according to Port Director Liliana Flores.