Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public Safety13th Court of Appeals halts court proceedings for wrongful death lawsuit of Weslaco cheerleader
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The 13th Court of Appeals on Monday ordered Hidalgo County court proceedings regarding the wrongful death lawsuit of a Weslaco cheerleader to stop as it reviews an energy drink distributor's attempt to get the suit dismissed. The 13th Court of Appeals granted Glazer's Beer and Beverage's emergency motion for temporary relief
Public SafetyHe Strangled and Killed His Pregnant Partner: This is the Sentence He Will Serve
The chilling murder of a young mother from Vernon, Connecticut, who was strangled by her then-partner, with whom she had a child and was pregnant, reached a conclusion with the sentencing of the perpetrator. Abdul Mboob, 26, was sentenced on Tuesday to 34 years in prison for the murder of 22-year-old Anastasia Paul. Mboob pleaded guilty to the brutal crime that took Paul’s life on July 17, 2023, in their apartment, where they were living together with their child. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visit www.thehotline.org, or text LOVEIS to 22522. The heartbreaking details of the murder reveal that Mboob strangled Paul to death because he was angry with her. In court, Mboob did not appear physically; instead, he attended via Zoom. The courtroom quickly filled with tears from Paul’s family. 'It has been three long and exhausting years seeking justice for Anastasia, hoping for a result that matches a criminal like this,' said the victim's sister, Jelina Paul. 'The outcome is permanent. He denied her all the future she had planned.' Several family members made statements in court, but Jeanine Lavoy, the victim's mother, broke down in tears. 'I still hear her voice in my head calling, “Mom.” She deserved to live,' Lavoy said. '…Why did you do this to my daughter? How can someone be so cruel and selfish, not caring to take a whole life and make a heart stop forever?' In response, Mboob expressed remorse and apologized to Paul’s family; however, they walked out and did not hear his statement. Although the sentence has been handed down, Paul’s family will continue to fight to raise awareness about domestic violence and ensure that Paul’s memory lives on for their four-year-old son. The judge also issued a permanent protection order against Mboob, prohibiting him from contacting the child until he is at least 70 years old.
Public SafetyMexican National Convicted in $157M Drug Smuggling Operation
Wblester Villanueva Echeverria, a 30-year-old Mexican national previously living in Atlanta, was convicted of drug trafficking in a Laredo court. The jury found him guilty of conspiring to distribute over 10,460 kilograms of meth and cocaine, valued at approximately $157 million, from June 2019 to August 2023. Evidence linked Echeverria to multiple shipments of narcotics hidden in produce and other goods. The investigation began in November 2021, leading to significant drug seizures. He faces a potential life sentence and a $10 million fine, with sentencing scheduled for a later date. Echeverria remains in custody.
Public SafetyElsa man charged with animal cruelty after 15 dogs rescued from his property
A 22-year-old man, Gilbert Ivarra Jr., was arrested in Elsa and charged with three counts of animal cruelty after police discovered 15 dogs in poor living conditions at his property on Ricky Crossland Avenue. The dogs were found tied up and in cramped cages, with some lacking access to water. The Elsa Police Department emphasized the importance of reporting animal abuse, as animals cannot advocate for themselves. Following a community tip, the dogs were removed and are now being cared for by a local resident. Ivarra was booked and released on a $15,000 bond.
Public SafetyWanted Sex Offender Apprehended by CBP Officers at Del Rio Port of Entry
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers apprehended Juan Manuel Gomez, 58, at the Del Rio Port of Entry on July 15. Gomez, a U.S. citizen, was driving a vehicle that was referred for secondary inspection, where biometric checks revealed an outstanding felony warrant for aggravated sexual assault of a child issued by the Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office. Following his arrest, Gomez was transported to the Val Verde Correctional Facility. CBP officials emphasized the importance of their role in safeguarding vulnerable populations and their collaboration with law enforcement to enhance community safety.
Public Safety3 men hospitalized after ATV rolls into canal in Elsa: Sheriff
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Three men were hospitalized Monday night after the ATV they were riding rolled into a canal in Elsa, according to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. At approximately 8:40 p.m., deputies responded to the 11400 block of Mile 17 Road North in Elsa regarding an ATV crash. Deputies arrived to find the
Public SafetyMcAllen man accused of killing his dog with a hammer: Records
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Police arrested a McAllen man accused of killing a dog with a hammer, according to an offense report obtained by ValleyCentral. Daniel Alberto Martinez, 36, of McAllen was charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals and tampering/fabricate physical evidence with intent to impair, according to Hidalgo County jail records. Both charges are third-degree
Public SafetyMore than 20 firearms and suspected drugs found in a truck in McAllen
An inspection conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) resulted in the discovery of a total of 23 firearms, THC substance, and over 11,000 rounds of ammunition, authorities confirmed. The stop was made on a Chevrolet Silverado at the intersection of Savannah Avenue and 10th Street. DPS reported that after the traffic stop, the officer observed a box labeled 'ammunition' inside the vehicle and requested permission from the driver, identified as Elfego Salvador Benavides, to conduct a search. According to the report, Benavides stated he was traveling from Houston to Monterrey, Mexico, but refused to allow the inspection. Ultimately, after a positive alert from a K-9 officer, the patrol officer found the firearms and drugs inside the vehicle. Among the charges facing Salvador Benavides are: possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, four counts of possession of a stolen firearm, and 23 counts related to the illegal carrying of firearms.
Public SafetyAnother Key Member of the Network Trafficking and Sedating Minors with THC Gummies Arrested
EL PASO, Texas – One of the most shocking child trafficking cases revealed at the border between Ciudad Juárez and El Paso took a judicial turn after 33-year-old Dianne Guadian pleaded guilty to charges related to a smuggling network that allegedly transported undocumented children into the United States. According to a federal criminal complaint filed in the Western District of Texas, the organization was reportedly led by Susana Guadian, who coordinated the recruitment of drivers to transport migrant minors from Ciudad Juárez to various locations across the country. Authorities indicated that Daniel Guadian assisted in the logistics of the transfer, while Dianne Guadian and Manuel Valenzuela were involved in receiving the minors and paying drivers once they crossed the border. The federal investigation claims that the network specialized in trafficking minors aged between 5 and 13 years, using documents belonging to other children to facilitate their crossing at international entry points. One of the most notable incidents occurred in October 2024, when border agents detected several minors attempting to enter the country using documents that did not belong to them. During the investigation, authorities determined that some of the children had received THC gummies, allegedly to keep them sedated during the journey. Two minors were taken to a hospital, where they were evaluated for possible marijuana intoxication. According to the complaint, one minor told emergency personnel that they avoided consuming the gummies and threw them on the ground during a secondary inspection. Agents later recovered the candies and tested them, which yielded positive results for cannabis. Court documents also describe conversations and evidence gathered during the investigation that, according to prosecutors, link the defendants to multiple attempts to traffic minors across the border. Additionally, Manuel Valenzuela, another individual implicated in the federal investigation, was recently sentenced to five years in prison for his involvement in the operation.
Public SafetyInvestigation Underway After ATV Accident in Elsa Canal
An ATV accident in Elsa has led to the hospitalization of three men after their vehicle overturned and fell into a canal. The incident occurred on July 27, shortly before 9 PM, on Mile 17 Road North. According to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, all three occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident. The severity of their injuries has not yet been disclosed. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
Public SafetyFederal agents raid ropa usada warehouse in Pharr, owner charged
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Federal agents raided a ropa usada warehouse, arrested the owner and detained two workers on Friday. Agents charged the owner — Fernando Mireles, 32, of Pharr — with smuggling, laundering money and hiring people who lacked permission to work in the United States. “The criminal complaint looks really similar to other
Public SafetyHonduran man living in Donna attempts to meet with minor for sex in undercover operation: DOJ
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An undocumented Honduran national living in Donna pleaded guilty on Monday to attempting to meet with a minor for sex, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Anael Jossue Rodriguez-Rodas, 35, was arrested after a three-day undercover online chat investigation initiated by special agents with Homeland Security Investigations. According to a
Public Safety2 pastors with religious visas arrested by ICE at airport
Two married pastors who were here in the U.S. on religious visas were arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at the McAllen airport last week as they were trying to fly to a Billy Graham marriage conference.
Public SafetyWere glad no one was seriously hurt: Mission hair salon to close for 2 weeks after vehicle crash
EZ Cuts, a hair salon in Mission, will close for two weeks after a suspected drunk driver crashed into the building on July 24. Owner Martin Briseño expressed relief that no one was seriously injured, although both the driver and an employee were hospitalized. The crash, captured on security cameras, showed a black SUV driving onto the sidewalk and crashing into the salon, causing significant damage. Briseño is working on repairs, which include replacing plumbing and flooring, and has arranged for employees to work at another location during the closure. The driver faces DWI charges, but their identity remains undisclosed.
Public SafetyUndocumented migrant living in Donna pleads guilty to attempting to meet minor for sex
A 35-year-old undocumented migrant from Honduras, Anael Jossue Rodriguez-Rodas, living in Donna, has pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor. Over three days, he communicated with someone he believed to be a 16-year-old girl, expressing his intentions and sending explicit images. Rodriguez-Rodas arranged to meet the minor at a local park, but was arrested by law enforcement upon arrival. He is set to be sentenced on October 6, facing a minimum of 10 years and potentially life in federal prison, along with a maximum fine of $250,000. He will remain in custody until transferred to a federal facility.
Public SafetyBrownsville suspect made a burger run before abandoning stolen car, police say
The Brownsville Police Department is investigating a vehicle theft involving a suspect who stole a Kia Optima. After breaking into the car, the individual made a brief stop to buy burgers before abandoning the vehicle. Authorities are seeking assistance from the public and encourage anyone with information to reach out to Brownsville Crime Stoppers at 956-546-8477.
Public Safety18-year-old arrested in connection with Edinburg nightclub shooting
An 18-year-old man, Rodrigo Castillo, was arrested on July 24 in connection with a shooting at a nightclub in rural Edinburg. He faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, with a bond set at $100,000. The incident occurred on July 12 at approximately 12:50 a.m. in the 5100 block of South Raul Longoria Road. A woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the shooting; however, authorities clarified that she was not shot but did not disclose the nature of her injuries. The investigation by the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is ongoing.
Public SafetyJoint Operation in Northwest Austin Ends in Arrest of Four Suspects
On July 8, 2026, a joint operation by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office led to the arrest of four suspects in Northwest Austin related to a San Antonio home invasion. The operation began with the Texas Rangers tracking Rodney Robinson III, 21, wanted for a June 15 incident. After a brief vehicle chase, Robinson was apprehended, along with passenger Devion Sommers, 23, who had an outstanding murder charge. Two additional suspects, Nehemiah Pratt, 21, and Kentrell Guillory, 19, were arrested later during a search warrant execution. A total of 11 firearms and illegal drugs were seized. Robinson remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
Public SafetyLeader Linked to Los Chapitos, Powerful Faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, Arrested
On Monday, military personnel and security agents arrested Ricardo Ozuna Tirado, alias 'El Tío', in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. Authorities identified him as a financial operator and leader of a criminal group linked to Los Chapitos, one of the most powerful factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, led by the sons of drug lord Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán, who is currently imprisoned in the U.S. According to federal sources, the 49-year-old Ozuna Tirado is recognized as a key leader and financial operator of a Los Chapitos cell in the municipality of La Cruz de Elota, Sinaloa. The Security Cabinet reported that he was a 'priority target' and was arrested along with five others from the same criminal group in the coastal and tourist municipality of Mazatlán, where authorities seized firearms, magazines, cartridges, various drug doses, foreign currency, communication and computing equipment, and two vehicles. In a coordinated action in Mazatlán, elements from SEMAR, SSPC, FGR, and the National Intelligence Center detained six individuals, including Ricardo 'N', alias 'El Tío', a financial operator and one of the main leaders of a criminal cell.