Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyMan charged in Alamo crash stopped, then left the scene before police arrived, lieutenant says
Jose Fidencio Luna Ramirez has been charged in connection with a crash in Alamo that left six people hospitalized. According to Lt. Eduardo Garza of the Alamo Police Department, Ramirez initially stopped at the scene but fled before officers arrived. He was later apprehended in Hidalgo and faces two counts of collision involving serious bodily injury and four counts of collision involving injury. The incident occurred on June 19 on Expressway 83, where Ramirez's tractor-trailer collided with a Dodge Durango, resulting in severe injuries to a 5-year-old child and five others. He is currently held on a $300,000 bond.
Public SafetyEdinburg police ramp up patrols ahead of Fourth of July
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The Edinburg Police Department has launched a safety initiative ahead of the Fourth of July festivities to eliminate the number of impaired drivers on the road. The initiative was funded by the Texas Department of Transportation, which will allow the Edinburg Police Department to ramp up its patrols to target impaired
Public SafetyBrownsville police seek public's help in vehicle burglary case
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying a person of interest in a vehicle burglary investigation. At approximately 11:40 p.m. on June 14, an unknown suspect burglarized a parked vehicle at Riquelme Suites located on Media Luna Road, according to Brownsville police. The suspect allegedly took personal
Public SafetyMan accused of selling guns to the Gulf Cartel pleads not guilty
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man who allegedly sold guns to the Gulf Cartel pleaded not guilty on Monday. Julio Treviño Jr., 23, of McAllen allegedly sold three semi-automatic rifles to a man affiliated with the Los Metros faction of the Gulf Cartel. “He has a substantial criminal history dating back to when he was
Public SafetyVan in Houston-area death investigation linked to Rio Grande Valley
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A death investigation is underway in Harris County after two bodies were found inside a vehicle that came from the Rio Grande Valley, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office. At approximately 9 a.m. on Saturday, Harris County deputies responded to a death investigation at a business located on the 13600 block
Public SafetySuspect in Brownsville Parked Vehicle Theft Sought by Police
The report was made on June 14 around 11:40 PM in the parking lot of Riquelme Suites, located on Media Luna Road. The investigation indicates that the suspect entered a parked vehicle and stole personal documents and identification belonging to the victim. Police released images of the individual captured during the investigation and, while acknowledging that the quality of the photographs is limited, hope that a community member can provide information to help identify him. If you recognize him, they ask that you contact 'Brownsville Crime Stoppers' through the website www.p3tips.com or by calling 546-TIPS.
Public SafetyMcAllen police seek suspect accused of grabbing female jogger
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The McAllen Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect allegedly involved in an indecent assault on Tuesday morning. McAllen police said that at approximately 6:44 a.m., officers responded to the 6500 block of Bicentennial Boulevard and met with a female jogger who reported that an unknown male
Public SafetyMexican National Gets 20 Years for International Cocaine Conspiracy
Leonel Mata Luna, a 51-year-old man from Houston, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his involvement in a cocaine distribution conspiracy that lasted nearly a decade. He pleaded guilty on September 6, 2023, and admitted to leading a drug trafficking organization that smuggled over 100 kilograms of cocaine from Mexico to the U.S. Luna was arrested in Monterrey, Mexico, in September 2022 after being a fugitive for seven years. The operation led to the seizure of significant drug quantities and cash, with 15 defendants convicted in connection to the case. He will remain in custody until transferred to a federal prison.
Public SafetyAt least six people arrested for alleged vandalism of the reflecting pool
At least six individuals were arrested for alleged acts of vandalism at the reflecting pool of the Lincoln Memorial, a government official reported on Monday, as President Donald Trump threatened to impose lengthy prison sentences on the offenders. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that six people have been arrested and seven have been cited 'for the damage they caused to the now beautiful reflecting pool of our country.' Among those detained was U.S. Olympic canoeist David 'Davey' Hearn, who had previously told NBC News that he was held for five hours on Friday after touching a piece of peeling paint in the reflecting pool. Over the weekend, following a meeting with contractors at Camp David, Trump claimed it might be necessary to drain the reflecting pool again. On Sunday, Marine One was seen flying over the area, and Trump mentioned that he had 'inspected' the site. On Monday morning, Trump reiterated his claims that the reflecting pool is under attack, two weeks before the nation's 250th anniversary. In a post on Truth Social, the president stated that the reflecting pool had suffered 'a 300-foot-long cut' due to 'chemicals being illegally dumped' into the water. 'Remember, there is a 10-year prison sentence for the destruction, or even the attempt to destroy, such things… and it will be enforced to the fullest!' Trump added in his Truth Social post. On Monday afternoon, Trump told reporters that it was 'a 350-foot gap from one end to the other.'
Public SafetyLarissa Rodríguez Case: Beverage Distributor Claims It Did Not Manufacture Drink
On June 1, attorneys for the defendant company Glazer’s Beer and Beverage and Glazer’s Beer and Beverage of Texas filed a formal motion in Hidalgo County court to dismiss the lawsuit brought by the family of Larissa Rodríguez, the 17-year-old who died after suffering a cardiac complication in October 2025. In the motion submitted to the court, the defendants argue that they acted solely as distributors of the product and not as manufacturers of the energy drinks. They also contend that Texas law limits the liability of sellers who do not participate in the manufacturing of the products involved in a claim. According to court records, the request to dismiss the lawsuit is scheduled to be reviewed during a hearing set for June 30 in the 370th District Court of Hidalgo County, while the case remains pending resolution.
Public SafetyWe Can't Have Peace: Savannah Guthrie Reacts to New Information About Her Mother's Disappearance
Savannah Guthrie, co-host of TODAY, expressed her anguish and desperation in a recent segment regarding her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie, 84. Following the release of a note suggesting Nancy had died, Savannah pleaded for public assistance in finding her. The FBI is investigating, describing a suspect captured on surveillance footage as a medium-built man between 5'9" and 5'10" tall. In addition to ongoing search efforts by local authorities and the FBI, the group Buscando Corazones has organized searches in Mexico. The Guthrie family is offering a $1 million reward, while the FBI has increased its reward to $100,000 for information leading to Nancy's whereabouts.
Public SafetyMcAllen Police Search for Suspect in Indecent Assault on Woman
The report was made on the Bicentennial Hike and Bike Trail, in the 6500 block of Bicentennial Boulevard, on the morning of June 23, after a woman reported that an unknown man approached her from behind and grabbed her before fleeing the area. McAllen police obtained surveillance footage showing an individual running near the area shortly after the incident and described the suspect as follows: Light-skinned male, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, around 150 pounds, with medium-length dark hair. He was wearing a red or burgundy shirt, dark shorts, and dark shoes. Authorities are asking anyone who recognizes the individual or has information about his identity to contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at (956) 687-8477.
Public SafetyVideo of Accident in Alamo Released; Driver Facing Charges
A video from a truck's dashboard camera reveals the moments leading up to a serious accident in Alamo involving a Dodge Durango. The vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer, causing it to roll over multiple times, ejecting several children. A 5-year-old boy suffered severe head trauma and remains in critical condition. The truck driver, José Fidencio Luna Ramírez, has been arrested and charged after allegedly leaving the scene before police arrived. His wife claims there are videos showing her husband assisted the family after the crash. The trucking company is providing legal support during the ongoing investigation.
Public SafetyDriver charged in connection with Alamo crash that hospitalized six people
A 40-year-old man, Jose Fidencio Luna Ramirez, has been charged following a serious crash on the expressway in Alamo that left a 5-year-old child in critical condition and hospitalized five others. The incident occurred on Friday evening when Ramirez's tractor-trailer collided with a silver Dodge Durango. He faces two counts of collision involving serious bodily injury and four counts of collision involving injury, with a bond set at $300,000. Although he fled the scene, he was not charged for leaving the accident site. The child suffered severe head trauma, while two adults and three children sustained various injuries but were later released from the hospital.
Public SafetyCameron County sheriff reacts to Harlingen animal cruelty investigation
A Harlingen man, 66-year-old Luis Aguilar, faces animal cruelty charges after deputies discovered his German shepherd in dire conditions, including facial burns and lack of food and clean water. The investigation began on May 21 when a concerned caller reported two dogs and a horse in poor health on Baker Potts Road. The sheriff's office removed the dogs, with Tasha, the German shepherd mix, receiving treatment for second-degree burns and dehydration at Country Vet Clinic. She is now recovering at the Brownsville Animal Regulation and Care Center. Sheriff Manuel Treviño urged the public to report animal neglect cases.
Public SafetyConsumer Reports: Summer safety tips
As summer approaches, families are reminded to prioritize safety to avoid accidents, particularly with children. Dr. Darria Long, an emergency physician, emphasizes the importance of supervision near water, recommending that one adult be designated to watch children at all times. Inflatable floaties are not a substitute for U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for non-swimmers. Additionally, parents should ensure that pools are fenced with self-closing gates. When it comes to biking and scootering, children must wear properly fitted helmets. Lastly, families should secure windows to prevent falls, allowing for a safer and more enjoyable summer season.
Public SafetyMission Fire Department adds UTVs to its fleet
The Mission Fire Department has enhanced its fleet by acquiring utility task vehicles (UTVs) designed to access challenging terrains where standard emergency vehicles struggle. These UTVs will aid in search and rescue missions, emergency medical services, and combating brush fires, ultimately improving response times for first responders. Fire Chief Michael Silva emphasized the importance of these vehicles for reaching rugged areas, particularly bike trails. The department funded the purchase with a $239,000 grant from the Border Zone Fire Department Grant Program, and two additional UTVs are anticipated to arrive next month.
Public SafetyInvestigation Underway After Shooting Leaves Two Adults and One Minor Injured at California Library
CHICO, California – Two adults died and one minor was injured following a shooting at a library in Butte County in the Chico area, authorities reported. On Monday, around 5:12 p.m., the Police Department and the fire communications center received multiple calls reporting that 'gunshots and screams' were heard inside the building. Officers arrived on the scene and located the suspect, who was arrested. 'We regret to inform that two adults have died and a minor was transported to Enloe Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries,' the police statement said. The Chico Police Department is leading the investigation with the assistance of local, state, and federal agencies. 'This afternoon's incident was, obviously, very sad and traumatic for many people. Very traumatic for our community,' said Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge at a press conference. He noted that the library was open at the time of the 'active shooter incident,' in which the suspect used a single firearm.
Public SafetyMcAllen police search for 17-year-old suspect in aggravated robbery investigation
The McAllen Police Department is actively searching for 17-year-old Francisco Santana Jr., who is wanted in connection with an aggravated robbery. The incident occurred on Sunday around 10 p.m. when a 34-year-old woman reported being robbed at gunpoint in the parking area of the 1000 block of Houston Avenue. An arrest warrant has been issued for Santana, who is described as approximately 5'03" tall, weighing around 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. His last known address is in Pharr. Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at 956-687-8477.