Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyEdcouch man pronounced dead after being pulled from the water at South Padre Island
A 49-year-old man from Edcouch, Matthew Shaw, was pronounced dead after being rescued from the water at South Padre Island. Cameron County Park Rangers received reports of an unresponsive individual shortly after 5 p.m. on Sunday, about a mile north of County Beach Access No. 5. Witnesses indicated that Shaw had been swimming before the incident. Emergency responders, including park rangers and the Cameron County Beach Patrol, attempted life-saving measures. Shaw was taken to Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville, where he was declared dead. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Public SafetyMan turns himself in after allegedly exposing himself to minors at Weslaco park: Records
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Weslaco police arrested a man who allegedly exposed himself to children at a park and then reported himself to police, according to a criminal complaint obtained by ValleyCentral. Anthony Peralez, 25, of Weslaco, was charged with indecency with a child, a third-degree felony, Hidalgo County jail records show. At approximately 9:30
Public Safety24,400 Liters of Methamphetamine Seized, Largest Amount During Sheinbaum's Administration
MEXICO CITY – The Mexican Army and the National Guard recently seized 24,400 liters (6,476 gallons) of liquid methamphetamine at a property linked to the Sinaloa Cartel in northwestern Mexico, marking the largest seizure since Claudia Sheinbaum took office in October 2024. The Ministry of National Defense highlighted this in a statement on Monday, noting that the anti-drug operation took place on June 19 and 20 in the city of Los Mochis, Sinaloa. Military personnel found 24,400 liters of liquid methamphetamine, as well as 98,640 liters and 59,425 kilograms of chemicals used for synthetic drug production. They also seized two vehicles, weapon magazines, and ammunition of various calibers. 'This seizure, due to its magnitude, is considered the largest of its kind in this administration and the second largest historically, with an economic impact on organized crime exceeding 9 billion pesos ($518 million),' the Defense Ministry emphasized.
Public SafetyMcAllen Police Actively Seeking Francisco Santana Jr. for Armed Robbery
McAllen Police are actively searching for 17-year-old Francisco Santana Jr., identified as a suspect in an armed robbery that occurred on June 21, 2026, around 10:00 p.m. The incident took place in a parking area on the 1000 block of Houston Avenue, where a 34-year-old female victim was robbed at gunpoint. A magistrate from the McAllen Municipal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Santana, charging him with Aggravated Robbery, a First Degree Felony. Authorities urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at (956) 687-8477, with the possibility of a cash reward for tips leading to an arrest.
Public SafetyArtificial Intelligence Intensifies World Cup's 'Magnet' for Digital Fraud in Mexico
MEXICO CITY – During the ongoing World Cup, there is a growing sense in Mexico that the sporting event acts as a 'magnet' for the exponential rise in digital fraud related to ticket resales and banking transactions, a risk that has worsened in recent years due to the emergence of artificial intelligence. Alejandro Romero, CEO of Cyberpeace, a company providing digital security services to Mexican entities, explained to EFE on Monday that the 300,000 daily cyberattack attempts the country faces have 'doubled' in May and June, a reality he attributes to the World Cup being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. 'The attacks we are experiencing are a magnet, a fertile ground for attackers, who have everyone concentrated in one place, sharing the same passion and looking for the same thing,' Romero said, referring to the 'favorable' context the sporting event creates for online scams. According to his analysis, the online attacks aim to deceive fans, especially those 'looking for some promotion or something with a sense of urgency' like accommodation bookings or ticket purchases. Therefore, he added, the perpetrators of these crimes see a 'great opportunity' in the World Cup, with scams of varying degrees of complexity.
Public SafetyEdcouch man dies after being pulled from water at South Padre Island
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An Edcouch man died after being pulled from the water at Cameron County Beach Access #5 on Sunday, according to a news release from the Cameron County Park Ranger Division. At approximately 5:05 p.m., Cameron County Park Rangers were dispatched to 1-mile north of the County Beach Access #5 regarding an
Public SafetyMcAllen police seek teen suspect in armed robbery investigation
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The McAllen Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a teen suspect wanted in connection with an aggravated robbery investigation. Francisco Santana Jr., 17, of Pharr, is wanted on a charge of aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony, according to a news release from the McAllen Police Department. Shortly after
Public SafetyCBP Officers Seize over $10.1 million in Meth at World Trade Bridge
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo seized over $10.1 million worth of methamphetamine on June 15, 2026. The operation involved a 2013 Volvo truck that was initially flagged for a secondary inspection. Following a thorough examination, including a canine inspection, officers found 1,100.79 pounds of suspected meth hidden within a shipment labeled as 'polypropylene.' The case is under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. Port Director Alberto Flores emphasized the commitment of CBP officers to safeguard communities from dangerous drugs.
Public SafetyTRAFFIC ALERT: Paving work on I-69E Frontage Road in San Benito, June 23 – July 3
Paving work on the I-69E frontage road in San Benito will begin on June 22 and is expected to finish by July 3. Crews will be working from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and on Saturday if needed. The project will involve lane and ramp closures on both northbound and southbound roads between FM 732 in San Benito and FM 511 in Olmito, focusing on milling, paving, and striping. Drivers should anticipate minor delays and exercise caution in the work zones for safety.
Public SafetyDaytime lane, ramp closures planned between San Benito and Olmito
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Daytime lane and ramp closures are planned between San Benito and Olmito starting Monday, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. The closures are planned for the northbound and southbound I-69E frontage roads between FM 732 in San Benito and FM 511 in Olmito, as crews perform roadway maintenance to enhance
Public SafetyNancy Guthrie Case: A Second Note Sent to Media Stated She Had Died
The second note sent to media following the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie indicated that she had died, but it contained no apology or request for payment for the delivery of her body, according to three people familiar with the matter who spoke to NBC News. The existence of the note was known, but its content—specifically stating that Guthrie had died—had not been previously revealed. Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie (co-host of the 'TODAY' show), was reported missing from her home near Tucson, Arizona, on February 1, and the circumstances of her disappearance remain a mystery. Guthrie, 84, was last seen the night before, around 9:45 p.m. Ten days after her disappearance was reported, the FBI obtained disturbing footage from a doorbell camera showing a masked man with a gun in front of her house on the morning she went missing. Since then, the FBI has classified that individual as a suspect.
Public SafetyHearing set for motion to dismiss Weslaco cheerleader wrongful death lawsuit
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A hearing has been set after Glazer's Beer and Beverage of Texas, an energy drink distributor accused in the death of a Weslaco cheerleader, filed a motion to dismiss the wrongful death lawsuit filed against it earlier this month. The hearing is set for 8 a.m. June 30 in the 370th
Public SafetySuspect Sought in Armed Robbery in McAllen
The individual has been identified by McAllen police as 17-year-old Francisco Santana Jr. Authorities report that the robbery occurred shortly after 10 p.m. on June 21 in the 1000 block of Houston Avenue, after a 34-year-old woman was robbed at gunpoint in a parking lot. A judge has issued an arrest warrant for the suspect for aggravated robbery, and the description provided by police is as follows: approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. His last known address is in Pharr. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at (956) 687-8477.
Public SafetyMan Wanted for Homicide in Cameron County Captured in Eagle Pass
The arrest occurred at Port of Entry Number 2, where officers assigned to the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force of the U.S. Marshals identified and arrested Rogelio Mendiola. Mendiola had an active arrest warrant issued by Cameron County for homicide, and following his arrest, he was placed in federal custody. He is now being held at a Val Verde County detention center, where he will continue the legal process before his eventual transfer to Cameron County.
Public SafetyEdcouch Man Dies After Being Rescued from Water at South Padre Island
The victim was identified as 49-year-old Matthew J. Shaw, a resident of Edcouch. According to the Cameron County Parks Division, the incident occurred around 5 PM on June 21, approximately one mile north of Access Road 5, and he later died at a hospital in Brownsville. Witnesses reported that Shaw had entered the water to swim shortly before the incident. After authorities were notified, officers and personnel from the Cameron County Beach Unit performed rescue and emergency medical procedures upon arrival. Authorities stated that the family has been notified and the investigation remains open.
Public SafetyHigh Bail Set for Driver Accused of Fleeing After Accident in Alamo
José Fidencio Luna Ramírez, 40, appeared in Alamo Municipal Court for formal charges related to a serious accident on Expressway 83 that occurred on June 19. The incident left several individuals injured, including a 5-year-old boy who remains in critical condition. Judge Celia García set a total bail of $360,000, with charges including two counts of serious bodily injury and four counts of injury. Luna Ramírez was driving a tractor-trailer that collided with a Dodge Durango and fled the scene. While adults involved have been discharged from the hospital, medical follow-up continues for the minors.
Public SafetyArrested After Stepfather's Death; Knife, Axe, and Sword Found
An 18-year-old man was arrested Saturday at a residence in northeast Miami-Dade after authorities found his stepfather dead. According to a police report, a call alerted them to an incident at the home. Upon arrival, officers found the victim unconscious with stab wounds. Inside the residence, they discovered a knife, a sword, and an axe, all with blood stains. The suspect, identified as Juan González, was locked in the bathroom. After officers ordered him to open the door, he was arrested. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) personnel responded to the scene and determined that the victim had died at the location. Additionally, surveillance videos captured the accused tampering with the camera angles before the homicide. Before being taken to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit, the suspect invoked his right to remain silent. González faces a charge of first-degree murder and remains incarcerated at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
Public SafetyCameron County murder suspect arrested in Eagle Pass
Rogelio Mendiola, a murder suspect from Cameron County, was arrested in Eagle Pass. The Eagle Pass Police Department, in collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, apprehended Mendiola at Port of Entry II. He is one of three individuals charged in the murder of 42-year-old Genaro Urbano Gomez Castillo, who was shot on May 21, 2021, in Cameron Park, Brownsville. Mendiola has been taken to a federal detention facility in Val Verde County and will remain there while awaiting extradition back to Cameron County.
Public SafetyCameron County murder suspect arrested in Eagle Pass: Police
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Cameron County man wanted on charges of murder was arrested in Eagle Pass, according to the Eagle Pass Police Department. According to a news release, Eagle Pass officers assigned to the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force assisted with the arrest of Rogelio Mendiola. Mendiola had an active arrest warrant