Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public Safety19-year-old Alton man indicted on charges of killing parents and grandmother
Gaurav Chopra, a 19-year-old from Alton, has been indicted on multiple charges related to the deaths of his parents and grandmother. The indictment includes capital murder of multiple persons and evading arrest, stemming from the June 16 incident where 56-year-old Sweeta Ram, 46-year-old Kamlesh Rani, and 73-year-old Minder Kaur were killed. Chopra allegedly shot at his brother but missed before fleeing the scene. He was apprehended after a police chase that resulted in a crash, injuring two others. Chopra remains in jail with a bond of $500,000 for some charges, while the capital murder charge has no bond set.
Public SafetySearch for Brownsville auto theft suspect triggers security measures at several nearby schools
The Brownsville Police Department arrested one suspect and continues to search for another following the discovery of a stolen vehicle near several schools. The vehicle was located around 10:54 a.m. in an alley between East 21st and East 22nd Streets. When officers approached, two men fled, with one apprehended. Due to the proximity to schools, Brownsville ISD placed five campuses on lockdown: Canales Elementary, Faulk Middle School, Lincoln Park High School, Cromack-Castaneda Elementary, and Porter Early College High School. After the search concluded, normal operations resumed. A local clinic also went into lockdown and canceled appointments for the day.
Public SafetyPharr PD Receives Prestigious State Accreditation
The Pharr Police Department has achieved Accreditation Status through the Texas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, a notable recognition for law enforcement agencies that meet high standards of professionalism and accountability. The accreditation was presented by Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala during a City Commission Meeting on September 8. This distinction places Pharr PD among the top two percent of law enforcement agencies in Texas and makes it the fourth accredited agency in the Rio Grande Valley. Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez and Chief Juan F. Gonzalez emphasized the department's commitment to excellence and community trust in their service.
Public SafetyPolice activity triggers lockdowns at five Brownsville schools
HARLINGEN Texas (ValleyCentral) — Brownsville police say they are searching for a suspect in the Southmost area of the city and that has lead to several school lockdowns. The Brownsville Independent School District announced that five schools have been placed in lockdown, secure and hold due to police activity in the surrounding areas. According to
Public SafetyPickup Truck Overturns After Accident on I-69C Exit in Edinburg
The Edinburg Police Department responded around noon to a vehicle accident on the I-69C highway. According to authorities, a red Ford pickup was traveling north on the I-69C when it took the exit located at block 200 of South 25th Avenue. While attempting to change lanes, the vehicle reportedly failed to maintain controlled speed. The driver lost control of the pickup, which ended up overturned on its side. A passing motorist helped the driver out of the vehicle before emergency crews arrived. The driver was taken to a local hospital for medical attention. Authorities indicated that the injuries were not life-threatening. So far, no further details have been released regarding the circumstances that led to the accident.
Public SafetyMan Arrested After Stolen Vehicle Found in Brownsville
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — A man was arrested and another managed to escape after officers from the Brownsville Police Department's vehicle theft unit located a car reported stolen just hours earlier. According to the Brownsville Police, around 10:54 a.m., officers found the vehicle in an alley between East 21st and East 22nd Streets. The car had been reported stolen at approximately 4:57 a.m. that same day. When police approached the vehicle, two men nearby fled the scene, according to the police. One of them was apprehended, detained, and subsequently arrested. Several agencies joined in the search for the second man, but he was not located. The operation took place near several schools, prompting the Brownsville Police to notify the Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) as a precaution. The schools temporarily implemented lockdowns and other safety measures while authorities conducted the search. Once the operation concluded, the schools lifted the restrictions and resumed normal operations.
Public SafetyVehicle Theft Attempt Triggers Pursuit and Preventive Measures at Brownsville Schools
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — A vehicle theft attempt prompted a police mobilization on Thursday, September 10, in Brownsville, leading several nearby schools to implement preventive security measures. According to preliminary information, the vehicle involved in the incident was later located in the Southmost area while Brownsville police officers patrolled the area in search of persons of interest. During the operation, a foot chase occurred involving individuals who, according to initial reports, may be connected to the case. Due to the police presence and activity in the vicinity, several schools enacted lockdowns and other preventive security measures as part of their protocols. School authorities stated that the police activity was not directly related to the campuses and that students and staff were safe.
Public SafetyBrownsville Schools Modify Security Measures Following Police Activity in the Area
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Several schools in Brownsville implemented preventive security measures on Thursday due to police activity reported in the vicinity. School authorities clarified that the situation was not related to any of the campuses. Initially, Canales Elementary and Faulk Middle School were placed on lockdown, while access to Lincoln Park High School was restricted. Cromack-Castaneda Elementary and Porter ECHS also took measures to keep students and staff in their areas as the situation continued. At 12:39 p.m., the district reported that the measures at Porter ECHS and Cromack-Castaneda Elementary had been lifted and both campuses resumed normal operations. Additionally, the measures at Canales Elementary and Faulk Middle School were reduced, leaving these campuses, along with Lincoln Park High School, with restricted access as a precaution due to ongoing police activity in the area. The district reiterated that all campuses remained safe and that the authorities' activity was not related to any of the schools.
Public SafetyAttorney Accused of Allegedly Defrauding Over 100 Immigrants in Texas
HOUSTON, Texas – More than 100 individuals may have fallen victim to a Houston immigration attorney accused of taking money in exchange for assistance with visas and work permits that she allegedly never processed or only partially submitted, according to authorities. Alla Nowowiejski, 44, has been charged with fraud and making false statements related to her work as an immigration attorney. According to the indictment, Nowowiejski accepted payments from clients to help them with their work status applications and to apply for work visas. However, some applications were allegedly never submitted, and others were only partially processed. Authorities also claim that the attorney provided some clients with false documents or reference numbers corresponding to other people's immigration cases to make clients believe that immigration authorities were processing their applications.
Public SafetyElvia Cabrera Sentenced to 102 Years in Prison
Elvia Cabrera was sentenced on Thursday to 102 years in prison for the murder of young Gabriela Nicole Pratts at the Aibonito Court. She faces three years for the weapons charge and 99 years for first-degree murder. The defense argued for mitigating factors to seek a lesser sentence. During the discussion, a heated confrontation arose after the lawyer suggested that Judge Luis Barreto Altieri might consider an aggravating factor. 'You are misquoting me. I have never said I would consider it. What I am saying is that the penal code states that not accepting is not a mitigating factor, but rather is considered an aggravating one,' the judge corrected the lawyer. In light of the sentencing, new banners appeared in Aibonito in defense of the accused. One message was directed at Governor Jenniffer González: 'Governor, your secretaries politicized this case and condemned an innocent person with a mediocre investigation. Elvia was sentenced before the jury. Justice is not managed with cameras or political pressure. This will have a political cost. Corrupt, inept,' read the message. Another banner stated, 'Elvia! You are not alone. We believe in your innocence! We love you.' Cabrera was found guilty on July 23 of first-degree murder and violation of the Weapons Law. The panel determined that the accused handed a sharp object to her daughter Anthonieska Avilés—who will also face trial for the same case—that resulted in the death of Gabriela, known to friends and family as 'Lela.' The case dates back to August 2025, when a brawl ended with two minors injured. Gabriela Nicole died on August 11 after receiving 11 stab wounds. The trial against Elvia Cabrera featured 60 witnesses, of whom 21 testified in court and 39 were stipulated.
Public SafetyElvia Cabrera to Learn Her Sentence Today for the Murder of Gabriela Nicole
Elvia Cabrera was sentenced to 102 years in prison for the murder of Gabriela Nicole Pratts in Aibonito. The sentence includes 99 years for first-degree murder and three years for a weapons charge. Cabrera expressed her regret over Gabriela's death but maintained her innocence, claiming that witnesses did not tell the whole truth. During the sentencing, her defense argued for mitigating factors, leading to a tense exchange with the judge regarding aggravating circumstances. New banners appeared in Aibonito supporting Cabrera, criticizing the investigation and calling for justice. Gabriela was fatally stabbed on August 11, 2025, during a brawl that injured two minors.
Public SafetyAffidavit reveals new details in Edinburg pastor child grooming cases
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An affidavit reveals new details in the arrest of an Edinburg pastor accused of inappropriately touching minors at church. According to the affidavit, Jorge Gonzalez Martinez, 49, pastor at Iglesia Internacional Poder y Gloria, is accused of touching two girls in the church's camera-operating room. On July 24, one of the
Public SafetyTwo Years After the Fracture of the Sinaloa Cartel, Criminal Groups Lower Their Profile
Two years after the Sinaloa Cartel's fracture led to internal conflict in northwest Mexico, the country's criminal landscape is changing. Authorities have intensified actions against cartel structures, leading to a decrease in visible violence. Despite a 53% drop in daily homicide rates from September 2024 to August 2026, Sinaloa remains a violence hotspot due to rivalries between Los Chapitos and La Mayiza. U.S. pressure, especially regarding fentanyl trafficking, has also influenced cartel behavior, prompting them to adopt a lower profile. However, violence persists in certain states, highlighting the need to address corruption and ties between authorities and criminal organizations.
Public SafetyElsa Fire Department warns callers imersonating firefighters
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Elsa Fire Department is advising the public to be aware of callers impersonating the department. According to a public service announcement, the department has been receiving reports of individuals calling businesses and residents, claiming to be from the Elsa FD to schedule or conduct fire inspections. Elsa FD is informing the
Public SafetyOil Spill Causes Lane Closures on Major Hidalgo Roadway
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has reopened the lanes on South International Boulevard in Hidalgo after an oil spill caused by a vehicle accident. The incident occurred near the 1200 block of South International Boulevard, also known as SP 115 and South 23rd Street. Initially, southbound traffic was diverted to the shoulder near Produce Road while TxDOT crews worked to clean the area. Authorities estimated that the regular lanes would be closed for about three to four hours. Drivers are advised to slow down, avoid the area if possible, and follow emergency personnel instructions.
Public SafetyInternational Boulevard Lanes Reopened in Hidalgo
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has reopened the southbound lanes of South International Boulevard in Hidalgo after they were closed due to an oil spill from a vehicle accident. The incident occurred in the 1200 block of South International Boulevard, also known as SP 115 and South 23rd Street. For several hours, crews worked to clean the area, and traffic was redirected to the shoulder near the intersection with Produce Road. Authorities advise drivers to slow down, avoid the area if possible, and follow emergency personnel instructions during the cleanup process.
Public SafetyBorder Patrol Marine Unit Rescues Man Struggling in Rio Grande
On August 29, Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents from the Marine Unit rescued a man struggling in the Rio Grande during an illegal crossing attempt. The rescue occurred at 7:30 a.m. when agents noticed the man repeatedly submerging in the river. They quickly responded with a Border Patrol vessel and pulled him to safety. After the rescue, emergency medical technicians evaluated him before he was handed over to the Laredo South Station agents. This incident highlights the dangers of crossing the Rio Grande, where strong currents and shifting conditions can create life-threatening situations.
Public SafetyElderly Couple Struck by Vehicle Outside H-E-B in Mission
A senior couple was hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle outside an H-E-B store in Mission on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred around 8:54 a.m. as the couple was leaving the store. According to Mission Police spokesperson Arturo Flores, the couple was hit by another senior driving a Honda Odyssey. While the collision was not severe, both individuals reported leg pain and were taken to a hospital for evaluation. Fortunately, no serious injuries have been reported, and the driver will not face any charges related to the incident.
Public Safety160 Text Messages: Woman Reports Alleged Harassment by Ex-Partner
HOUSTON – Eriberto Sandoval, 25, faces a harassment charge after his ex-partner reported that he continued to contact her despite her requests to end the relationship and leave her alone. According to court documents, on August 25 alone, he allegedly attempted to reach her about 160 times through text messages and voice notes. He was also seen several times in front of her house. The couple had been together for nearly two years, and the records indicate that she had tried to end the relationship multiple times. She finally ended it on June 28, 2026. Court documents reveal that when the woman attempted to break up with him, Sandoval allegedly threatened to take his own life if she left him. On June 27, they were at a restaurant in Houston when Sandoval saw a message from a coworker on the woman’s phone. She recounted that he became angry, started insulting her, and while driving, took her phone to check the messages, accusing her of infidelity. The woman tried to retrieve her phone. According to her account, Sandoval pushed her hands away and then grabbed her arm tightly, causing her pain. At that moment, she said she tried to get out of the vehicle but was unable to do so. She accused Sandoval of pushing her back into the seat, closing the door, and telling her she wouldn’t go anywhere. She also claimed she tried to exit several times when the vehicle stopped at traffic lights, but he prevented her. The ride continued. The woman told investigators that Sandoval drove to a dark area and later stopped again in another location. The argument over the alleged infidelity continued, and according to her, Sandoval told her that her blood would be 'on his hands.' The records also describe an alleged unauthorized access to the woman’s social media. She reported that Sandoval entered her Instagram account, changed information, and posted messages pretending to be her.