Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyCongresswoman Lauren Boebert's Son Faces Charges of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
Tyler Boebert, a resident of New Castle and son of Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, is under an arrest warrant related to charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and other offenses. According to an official statement from the Garfield County Sheriff's Office, Boebert was arrested on Sunday, August 9, 2026, following an investigation by that office and a review of charges by the Ninth Judicial District Attorney's Office. According to the Garfield Sheriff, Boebert faces charges under state statute CRS 18-6-403 related to the sexual exploitation of a minor, in addition to multiple other charges. Boebert has had previous encounters with authorities; in 2024, he was arrested and charged in connection with a series of thefts after he and several friends allegedly entered vehicles and stole debit cards, gift cards, and cash. In that case, a bond of $10,000 was set, and Boebert was released from the Garfield County Jail the same day after posting bail. Authorities indicated that the investigation related to the new charges was conducted by the Garfield County Sheriff's Office and subsequently reviewed by the Ninth Judicial District Attorney's Office. The charges are allegations, and Boebert is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Public SafetyMan Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Child Sexual Exploitation
A federal judge has sentenced 32-year-old Jorge Alberto Bazan to 60 months in prison for the crime of child sexual exploitation. The sentence, issued by U.S. District Judge Randy Crane in McAllen, Texas, also includes five years of supervised release after serving his prison term and a legal obligation to register as a sex offender. The investigation, initiated by the FBI in 2025 through social media patrols, revealed that between September 12 and 24 of that year, Bazan communicated with someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. During the conversations, the defendant expressed his intention to engage in sexual activities, requested explicit images, and instructed the alleged victim on how to receive and delete the material. Bazan pleaded guilty on May 27 and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexa D. Parcell as part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 to combat child exploitation and abuse nationwide.
Public SafetyMan Arrested After Seizure of Over 1,400 THC Vape Pens
A man from Brownsville was arrested on Friday after investigators from the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) of the Cameron County Sheriff's Office executed an arrest warrant and a search warrant for narcotics at a residence located in the 2200 block of El Cauce Street. According to authorities, the investigation began after receiving information that the home was allegedly being used to store and distribute illegal narcotics. Investigators approached the residence and announced their presence before entering. At the scene, authorities detained 19-year-old Leonardo Villegas, who had four outstanding arrest warrants. During the search of the residence, investigators found and seized approximately 1,470 bulk-packaged THC vape pens. In addition to the vape pens, authorities confiscated several bags and also found $6,221 in cash, according to the Cameron County Sheriff's Office. The seized marijuana weighed approximately 39.80 ounces, while the estimated value of all narcotics confiscated during the operation was calculated at around $88,000. Villegas was charged with alleged manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 2 or 2A (THC), related to approximately 2,940 grams. He also faces a charge for alleged possession of marijuana, related to the approximately 39.80 ounces seized. These charges are in addition to two outstanding arrest warrants for alleged possession of marijuana, one warrant related to evading arrest using a vehicle, and another for manufacture and delivery. The case remains under investigation by Cameron County authorities.
Public SafetyDPS and Edcouch-Elsa ISD Inaugurate New Police Office
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Edcouch-Elsa Independent School District (EEISD) have inaugurated a new police office aimed at enhancing safety for students and staff. The official opening took place at 200 N. Yellow Jacket Drive, attended by local officials and community members. This initiative will have eight patrol officers stationed in the area, ensuring immediate response times and fostering relationships between law enforcement, students, and families. DPS Sergeant María Hernández emphasized the importance of the office in providing a secure learning environment and encouraged residents to view it as a supportive resource for the community.
Public SafetyWoman crashes car into Mission restaurant while parking: Police
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A woman driver crashed into a restaurant as she attempted to park, according to the Mission Police Department. At approximately 2:48 p.m., authorities responded to a crash at a parking lot located at the 2300 block of East Expressway. According to a Mission police spokesperson, the driver attempted to park when she
Public SafetyChild Refuses to Buckle Seatbelt, Causes Flight Cancellation
A Porter Airlines flight in Canada was canceled last week after a child refused to sit down and fasten their seatbelt. The aircraft had to return to the terminal at Victoria International Airport in British Columbia after the crew and the child's parent were unable to keep the child seated. The process of removing the adult and child, along with their luggage, delayed the flight to Toronto beyond the airport's runway closing time, necessitating the disembarkation of all passengers. Porter Airlines apologized and rebooked the affected passengers on a flight the following day.
Public SafetyVehicle Crashes into Local Restaurant Entrance in Mission
A vehicle lost control and crashed into the entrance of a local restaurant in Mission on August 9, 2026, causing significant damage to the main entrance and front windows. Emergency teams were quickly alerted and the Mission Fire Department arrived shortly after to assess the situation. Their response focused on evaluating the condition of the vehicle's occupants and bystanders, securing the area to prevent further accidents, and inspecting the building for potential hazards. The prompt action of emergency responders ensured the area was secured and under control swiftly, highlighting their readiness to handle unexpected incidents in the community.
Public SafetyCaptain of Boat That Capsized Near Statue of Liberty, Resulting in Deaths of Woman and Child, Arrested
A tragic incident occurred near Liberty Island, New York, where a woman and her five-month-old baby died after a 22-foot Bayliner boat capsized on Saturday night. The boat's operator, Manuel Hernández, 46, was arrested and faces 13 counts of reckless endangerment. The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating whether the boat was operating as an illegal charter service. Twelve other passengers were rescued and are in stable condition. The identities of the victims have not been released pending family notification. The Coast Guard is working with NYPD to ensure accountability for those responsible.
Public SafetyBody of Adela Dávila Found After Search Operation in Edcouch
The Edcouch Police Department and U.S. Border Patrol confirmed the tragic discovery of 64-year-old Adela Dávila, who had been reported missing and was the subject of an active Silver Alert. Her body was found early on August 9, around 1:19 a.m., by local police officers using K9 teams and drones. Authorities have notified Dávila's family and expressed their condolences in an official statement, urging the community to respect the family's privacy during this difficult time. The police also thanked citizens and partner agencies for their assistance in the search efforts by providing information and surveillance footage.
Public SafetyAdela Dávila Found, Silver Alert Canceled in Edcouch
The Edcouch Police Department and U.S. Border Patrol confirmed the tragic discovery of 64-year-old Adela Dávila, who had been reported missing due to dementia. Her body was found early Sunday, August 9, around 1:19 a.m., by local police officers using K9 units and drones. Authorities have notified Dávila's family and expressed their deepest condolences in an official statement, asking the community to respect the family's privacy during this difficult time. The department also thanked citizens and partner agencies for their assistance in the search efforts by providing information and surveillance footage.
Public SafetyRepeat felon attempted to bite police during arrest, sentenced to 11 years in federal prison
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An Edinburg man was sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute meth and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas. On April 27, 45 year old Alvaro Salinas Jr. pleaded guilty. In the
Public SafetyLaredo man sentenced to 12 years in prison for trying to meet minor on Kik app
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Laredo man was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for trying to meet a minor on a Kik chatroom, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas. On March 6, 41 year old Robert Steven Lanier pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a
Public SafetyI am going to make the best out of it: Nikki Rowe senior stays positive after losing home in Alton fire
A fire devastated the Mendoza family's home in Alton on August 1, leaving high school senior Kaylee Mendoza with significant losses just before her final year. The family was playing loteria when the fire broke out, causing extensive damage and destroying nearly all their possessions. Kaylee lost her cheerleading uniform and a memory box filled with high school photos. Despite the tragedy, she remains optimistic about her senior year, stating she will make the best of the situation. A GoFundMe has been established to assist the family in their recovery efforts, with more details pending from the Alton Fire Department regarding the cause of the fire.
Public SafetyPolice seek help finding missing Edcouch woman
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Edcouch Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in searching for a missing woman. Adela Davila was last seen at approximately 3 p.m. on Friday at 900 West Adkins Avenue, wearing a gray shirt and black shorts. According to Edcouch police, Davila is diagnosed with dementia, which may cause her
Public SafetyBrownsville police warn of scam call surge
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department is advising the public to watch out for scam calls. According to a public service announcement from Brownsville police, the department has been made aware of yet another surge of scam calls. Authorities say the public has reported calls from scammers "pretending" to be officers from the department
Public SafetyWoman had invalid license at time of Brownsville fatal collision: Docs
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Authorities discovered a woman had three holds over her license and her vehicle was uninsured at the time of a deadly Brownsville crash in June, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by ValleyCentral. Pamela Ruth Taylor, 31, has been charged with driving with an invalid license without motor vehicle financial responsibility, causing serious bodily
Public SafetyHarlingen cancer treatment center employee accused of stealing $750K from company
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Authorities arrested a Brownsville woman accused of stealing thousands from her employer in a nearly year-long scheme. Yuliana Perez of Brownsville is facing charges after police say she stole $750,000 from Valley Cancer Associates in Harlingen, according to a news release from the Harlingen Police Department. On May 19, police received a
Public SafetyEdinburg Resident Receives 11-Year Prison Sentence After Assaulting Officers During Arrest
Alvaro Salinas Jr., a 45-year-old resident of Edinburg, has been sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for drug-related offenses and illegal possession of a firearm. He pleaded guilty on April 27 to charges of intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon with a firearm. His criminal history includes previous convictions for drug trafficking and aggravated assault. The incident leading to his arrest occurred on December 7, 2025, when police found him unconscious in his vehicle. Upon waking him, he resisted arrest and was found with a firearm and 127 grams of meth in his car. Salinas will remain in custody until his transfer to a federal prison.
Public SafetyHelp Locate Adela Davila in Edcouch, Texas
The Edcouch Police Department has officially issued a Silver Alert to urgently request public assistance in locating Adela Davila, who has been reported missing. According to the official report, Mrs. Davila was last seen at 900 West Santa Rosa Avenue. Authorities warn that Mrs. Davila suffers from medical conditions that may cause disorientation or confusion, increasing the urgency of locating her to ensure her safety. Regarding the search, the police stated, 'If you have seen Adela Davila or have any information about her whereabouts, please call 911 immediately or contact the Edcouch Police Department directly.' The police are asking all neighbors and citizens to share this information through their digital channels and social media to broaden the search and help her return home safely.