Public Safety

ValleyCentral (KGBT) · Aug 7, 2026

Bomb threat reported at Mission Regional Hospital

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The Mission Police Department is investigating a bomb threat that was allegedly made against the Mission Regional Hospital on Thursday. Police responded to the bomb threat call at approximately 8:10 p.m. A spokesperson with the Mission Police Department said the scene is active. ValleyCentral reached out to Mission Regional Hospital; however,

Brownsville woman gets second-degree burns after portable charger explodes inside car

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Brownsville woman hopes to spread safety awareness after a portable charger exploded in her car and caused second-degree burns on her right arm. Katy Abete of Brownsville says the June 18 incident prompted about a month of physical recovery. Abete says she's still recovering emotionally and mentally. "I tried to put

Judge sets bond at $100,000 for ropa usada businessman linked to La Familia cartel

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A judge on Thursday set bond at $100,000 for a businessman who allegedly laundered money for La Nueva Familia Michoacana. Fernando Mireles, 32, of San Juan owned a business that allegedly laundered money for La Familia, a drug cartel based in Michoacan, Mexico. “These are substantial sums of money,” Assistant U.S.

Breaking: Authorities Investigate Bomb Threat at Mission Hospital

Local authorities are investigating a bomb threat directed at the Mission Regional Medical Center in Mission, Texas. According to preliminary information, the report was received at 8:10 PM, immediately activating the security protocols established for such contingencies. The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement continues to work on-site to determine the source of the call. Citizens and drivers are advised to avoid the area around the medical center while inspection operations are underway. This is a developing story.

Police Rule Out Bomb Threat at Mission Hospital, Investigate False Alarm

MISSION, Texas. – The Mission Police Department is continuing to investigate a reported bomb threat that led to the precautionary closure of the Mission Regional Medical Center on the night of Thursday, August 6. According to Arturo Flores, spokesperson for the Mission Police, authorities received the report around 8:10 p.m. Following the call, security measures were implemented to protect staff and patients while officers responded to the hospital. Jorge Rodríguez, investigator and spokesperson for the Mission Police, reported that authorities conducted a perimeter check and found no threat that posed any danger. After concluding the inspection and determining it was safe to resume activities, the precautionary closure was lifted, and the Mission Regional Medical Center resumed operations. Rodríguez added that the investigation is ongoing and that they will seek to hold accountable the individual or individuals involved in the alleged false threat. So far, no arrests have been reported in connection with the case. The investigation remains active.

Texas Border Business · Aug 6, 2026

Rio Hondo Lift Bridge on FM 106 to Close Friday, Aug. 7th for Maintenance

The Rio Hondo Lift Bridge on FM 106 will be closed for maintenance on Friday, August 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Drivers are advised to plan ahead and consider alternative routes. Suggested detours include FM 1846, Business 77, and FM 509. This maintenance is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and functionality of the bridge, and local authorities recommend that commuters adjust their travel plans accordingly to avoid delays.

Arrest made after shooting at Brownsville Golden Corral

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man was charged after he allegedly assaulted a Golden Corral employee in the rear parking lot Wednesday night, according to the Brownsville Police Department. William Lleo, 44, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony and possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor on Thursday morning. Police

Valley attorney accused of stealing $700 from child custody client

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A criminal complaint obtained by ValleyCentral reveals what led to the arrest of a Rio Grande Valley attorney accused of theft. Karina Michelle Cerda, 36, was arrested on a charge of theft of property, a Class B misdemeanor, after a warrant was issued on July 27. Hidalgo County jail records show

KRGV (NBC 5) · Aug 6, 2026

A border agent killed a migrant who crossed into Starr County. Eight months later, it still under investigation.

In December 2022, Border Patrol agent Armando Flores shot and killed Isaias Sanchez Barbosa, a 31-year-old Mexican migrant, after he crossed into Starr County. The agent claimed self-defense during an altercation as migrants attempted to retreat. Over eight months later, the Texas Department of Public Safety and Customs and Border Protection continue their investigation, withholding details and footage. A grand jury declined to indict Flores, leading the Starr County District Attorney to declare the criminal investigation closed. The case has drawn little media attention despite raising questions about the use of deadly force against migrants fleeing back to Mexico.

A border agent killed a migrant who crossed into Starr County. Eight months later, it’s still under investigation.

Shortly before Christmas last year, a Border Patrol agent shot and killed Isaias Sanchez Barbosa, a 31-year-old Mexican, after he crossed the Rio Grande with a group of other migrants into Starr County. The federal agent said he shot Sanchez Barbosa in self defense amid a fight that broke out when agents tried to make

Texas Border Business · Aug 6, 2026

Peñitas Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Mass Child Abuse File Cache

A 29-year-old Peñitas resident has been ordered to federal prison for receiving and distributing child pornography.

Man Arrested Following Alleged Armed Robbery in Restaurant Parking Lot

Brownsville, TX – A 44-year-old man was arrested following an alleged armed robbery that occurred on the night of August 5 in the rear parking lot of a Golden Corral restaurant located at 4500 North Expressway in Brownsville, Texas. According to the Brownsville Police Department, the incident was reported around 9:10 p.m. Authorities stated that an employee was loading their vehicle when a man, allegedly armed with a firearm, approached them. Preliminary information indicates that both individuals became involved in a physical altercation during which a shot was fired. Police noted that no one was injured by the gunfire. Upon arrival, officers found the victim with visible facial injuries, while the suspect had already fled the scene. After a search of the area, authorities located the alleged perpetrator between a McDonald's and an Academy Sports store. The man was identified as William Lleo, 44, and was taken into custody. Police reported that Lleo appeared before a judge on the morning of August 6 and faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony, and possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor. His bail was set at $52,000. Authorities indicated that no additional injuries were reported and thanked the U.S. Marshals Service and FBI Task Force agents for their support during the search and apprehension of the suspect.

Jury Finds Julio Díaz Guilty of Homicide and Arson

After several minutes of deliberation, a jury found Julio Díaz guilty of the homicide of Robert Wise and two counts of arson at two Masonic lodges, one located in McAllen and the other in Weslaco. Díaz's defense attorney, Lennard K. Whittaker, told Telemundo 40 that he is dissatisfied with the verdict. He explained that not all evidence the defense sought to present, related to the defendant's health, was admitted during the trial. A letter was also presented during the proceedings indicating that Julio Díaz suffers from a brain cyst that may be pressing on his pituitary gland. In the same document, the defendant claimed that all Masons were 'sorcerers' and possessed powers used to cause harm. Díaz was found guilty of the murder of 55-year-old Robert Wise, which occurred on July 10, 2023. According to authorities, the incident took place around 9:46 p.m. in the 100 block of 11th Street in McAllen. Upon arrival, officers found the victim with serious injuries lying on the ground. Wise was transported to a hospital, where he later died. The start date for the sentencing phase for the defendant is expected to be announced in the coming hours. Telemundo 40 will continue to report on the developments of this case.

Police Rescue Man Attacked by Swarm of Bees in Texas

Without hesitation, two police officers from Lyford, Texas, near the Mexico border, rescued a man who was being attacked by a swarm of bees. Body camera footage shows the man lying on the ground, trapped during a massive bee attack. The images depict the officers running toward the man after he fell near a neighbor's house and was unable to escape the swarm. Someone had placed a towel over him in an attempt to protect him from the bees. Despite being surrounded by the swarm and receiving multiple stings, the officers quickly managed to get the man into a patrol car to ensure his safety. One of the officers later returned running to grab a jacket for additional protection. Police reported that the attack began while the man was gardening near his home. Investigators later located a beehive on a nearby vacant lot and removed it. The man suffered at least 30 bee stings.

FBI Agent Fired After Admitting to 'Screwing Up' by Stealing Nearly $1 Million in Cryptocurrency

Patrick Yaroch, a former FBI agent, was taken into custody by his parents after admitting to stealing nearly $1 million in cryptocurrency. He was fired last week and acknowledged his wrongdoing to the FBI, which a magistrate judge noted was a significant step. Yaroch faces charges of interstate transportation and receipt of stolen goods, specifically linked to a cryptocurrency account associated with an adversarial country, reportedly Russia. He is also under scrutiny for unreported trips to Germany and Portugal. Yaroch must remain at home in Ashburn, Virginia, and has been ordered to post a $50,000 bond.

Man Accused of Murdering Stepfather, Dismembering Body, and Placing It in Suitcases, Authorities Say

ORLANDO, Florida — A 44-year-old man was arrested Wednesday in connection with the death of his 71-year-old stepfather, whose dismembered body was found in three suitcases in Orange County, Florida, according to local authorities. The suspect, identified as José Proaño, faces charges for the murder of Jorge Vázquez-Escutia. The victim was reported missing by his family on the afternoon of the previous Monday. According to the arrest affidavit filed by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Proaño traveled from North Port to Orlando on Friday, July 31, to watch over Vázquez-Escutia. On Sunday, August 2, the suspect allegedly entered the victim's property, located at 8606 Hal Court, by jumping over a back fence. Investigators claim that Proaño attacked and dismembered Vázquez-Escutia in the backyard of the home. On Tuesday night, during search efforts, detectives found the victim's remains inside three suitcases that the suspect reportedly abandoned along his escape route. Family members and neighbors described Vázquez-Escutia as a respected resident of the community. His son, Juvenal Vázquez, told local media that the family suspected something was wrong with their father since the afternoon of Sunday, given the lack of contact with him. Regarding a possible motive, authorities indicated that Proaño suffers from schizophrenia and had a troubled relationship with his stepfather. However, detectives ruled out that it was a spontaneous act and classified the crime as premeditated murder, citing the logistics employed by the suspect prior to the attack. The Sheriff's Office confirmed that the investigation remains open, although no other suspects are being sought and there is no perceived threat to public safety.

Peñitas man with 56,000 files of child porn sent to prison

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A Peñitas man was sent to federal prison for receiving and distributing approximately 56,000 files child pornography, according to the U.S Attorney's Office. Jesus David Gutierrez, 29, was ordered to nine years in prison and pay $6,000 in restitution fees for his involvement in the child pornography case. Gutierrez must also

Texas Border Business · Aug 5, 2026

DPS Urges Texans to Prioritize School Zone and Student Safety

As students return to school, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) emphasizes the importance of safety in school zones. Drivers are urged to be vigilant, slow down, and eliminate distractions, particularly near schools and bus stops. DPS outlines several safety tips, such as keeping a safe distance from students, obeying crossing guards, and understanding school bus laws. Parents are encouraged to discuss emergency procedures with their children and ensure they know whom to approach for help at school. Additionally, resources like the iWatchTexas app and the Texas School Safety Center are highlighted for enhancing community safety.