Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyAlton-area family warned to watch for contractor scams after severe weather blows off roof
An Alton-area family is facing significant repair costs after a storm tore off the roof of their mobile home. Marisela Muñoz and her son were inside when the storm struck, describing the experience as frightening, with winds reaching 60 to 70 mph. The roof landed in a neighbor's tree and was removed by the fire department. With leaks now a concern, Muñoz plans to hire a contractor for repairs. The Better Business Bureau advises storm victims to be cautious of contractor scams, recommending thorough research and careful contract review before proceeding with any repairs.
Public SafetyTragedy Surrounded by Mystery: More Questions than Answers in Texas Girl's Death
SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Authorities continue to investigate the death of Aryana Treviño Martínez, a 2-year-old girl who was found unconscious early Monday morning and later pronounced dead at a hospital. The case has shocked residents in the northwest area of San Antonio, where neighbors and officials participated for several hours in the search for the girl after she was reported missing on Sunday night. According to authorities, Aryana was last seen in the 4700 block of Allegheny Drive. Hours later, she was found unconscious in the brush on a property near Belle Ellen Street, several blocks away from where she had been reported missing. A survey of the area indicates that the distance between the two points would take approximately four minutes by car and about twenty minutes on foot.
Public SafetyFBI, Brownsville police investigating bank robbery, suspect at large
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department is investigating a bank robbery that was reported on Monday afternoon. Police say a bank robbery call was reported at approximately 2:29 p.m. at the Lone Star National Bank located on the 2100 block of Boca Chica Blvd. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is at the scene.
Public SafetySubject of AMBER Alert found unresponsive, pronounced dead: San Antonio police
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A 2-old-girl who was the subject of an AMBER Alert issued Sunday night was found unresponsive and pronounced dead in San Antonio, according to the San Antonio Police Department. Aryana Trevino Martinez, 2, was reported missing on Sunday at approximately 8:01 p.m. by relatives who said that the child wandered off
Public SafetyNighttime Expressway Closure Planned on I-2 in Donna, August 3&4
The westbound lanes of Interstate 2 (I-2) in Donna will be closed for pavement repairs from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. on August 3 and 4. The closure will affect the stretch between FM 493 (Salinas Blvd.) and FM 1423 (Val Verde Rd.). During this time, traffic will be redirected to the westbound I-2 frontage road. Motorists are advised to plan their routes accordingly and allow extra travel time to reach their destinations. This closure is part of ongoing maintenance efforts by TxDOT to ensure road safety.
Public SafetyDPS to temporarily close Alamo expressway for crash investigation
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Public Safety will close a portion of the westbound expressway for about an hour on Tuesday morning for a crash investigation, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Texas DPS investigators plan to close the expressway at approximately 10 a.m. to conduct a crash reconstruction test skid
Public SafetyPharr expressway reopens after law enforcement activity
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The eastbound expressway at Business 83 in Pharr has reopened after law enforcement activity prompted a closure, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. According to a spokesperson for the city of Pharr, a male attempted to jump near Business 83. The city of Pharr's medical team responded to the call.
Public SafetyAlton tire shop suffers major damage from fire
A tire shop in Alton sustained significant damage due to a fire that broke out on Sunday at Highway 107 and La Homa Road. Alton Fire Chief Gus Ramirez reported that an 18-wheeler inside the shop was also damaged, but 90% of the merchandise was saved. The rear of the building collapsed, but no injuries occurred as no one was inside at the time. Nearby houses were not affected. Multiple fire departments, including those from Mission and Palmview, assisted in battling the fire, which lasted about five hours. Investigators will review surveillance footage to find the fire's cause.
Public SafetyPolice Investigate Alleged Bank Robbery in Brownsville
Brownsville, Texas.– The Brownsville Police Department is investigating a reported bank robbery that occurred Monday afternoon at a Lone Star National Bank branch located at 2100 Boca Chica Boulevard. According to authorities, the incident was reported around 2:29 p.m. After the robbery, the alleged suspect managed to flee and has not yet been located. Authorities reported that no injuries were recorded during the robbery. Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrived at the scene to assist with the ongoing investigation. The Brownsville Police Department stated that additional information will be released as the investigation progresses.
Public SafetySuspect Arrested in Brownsville Bank Robbery, Over $15,000 Recovered
Brownsville authorities provided an update on the investigation into the robbery that occurred at a Lone Star National Bank branch, resulting in the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of the allegedly stolen money. According to the police report, after the robbery, investigators reviewed surveillance footage, which showed the suspect entering a nearby abandoned building. Minutes later, the man was seen leaving in different clothing. The suspect was later spotted walking behind a Metro by T-Mobile store in the area. Officers entered the abandoned building and found a bag containing over $15,000 in cash, money that was reportedly stolen from the bank. Shortly after, police arrested 32-year-old Dion Gorge James, who matched the description of the suspect captured on surveillance. According to the police report, James allegedly confessed to committing the bank robbery. He remains in custody and is awaiting his formal arraignment. The Brownsville Police Department is investigating a bank robbery reported Monday afternoon at a Lone Star National Bank branch located at 2100 Boca Chica Boulevard. Authorities stated that the incident was reported around 2:29 p.m. After the assault, the alleged perpetrator managed to flee and has not yet been located. No injuries were reported during the robbery. FBI agents arrived at the scene to assist with the investigation, which is ongoing. The Brownsville Police Department indicated that additional information will be released as the investigation progresses.
Public SafetyLos Fresnos firefighters put out blaze at warehouse storing charcoal
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A warehouse fire broke out in rural Cameron County over the weekend, according to the Los Fresnos Fire Department. Fire officials say a large amount of charcoal was stored in the warehouse. Photos taken by the Los Fresnos Fire Department show a tanker at the scene and firefighters putting out the
Public SafetyWest Bound Interstate 2 (I-2) Closure Planned Tuesday, Aug. 4th in Alamo for Crash Reconstruction
On Tuesday, August 4, traffic on westbound Interstate 2 (I-2) in Alamo will be redirected to the frontage road due to a crash reconstruction investigation. The Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) will perform a skid test related to a collision that took place on June 19 at the Tower Road overpass. The closure of the expressway is set to begin around 10 a.m. and is anticipated to last no longer than one hour. Drivers are advised to plan accordingly during this time.
Public SafetyI-2 Eastbound Lanes Reopened in Pharr Due to Heavy Police Activity
UPDATE | PHARR, TX Authorities have announced that the eastbound lanes of I-2 at Jackson Road have been reopened to traffic following a police activity that led to a temporary closure. Although traffic has been restored, delays may still occur as the flow returns to normal. PHARR, Texas — A significant law enforcement presence caused the closure of Interstate 2 (I-2) eastbound at Jackson Road, according to officials. A notice issued by authorities indicated that the police activity resulted in substantial traffic congestion in the area, prompting drivers to anticipate delays and seek alternate routes. Additionally, residents in the vicinity received alerts on their mobile phones regarding an imminent emergency situation. The message stated that due to law enforcement activity, I-2 eastbound would remain closed until further notice and urged the public to avoid the area. So far, authorities have not disclosed the nature of the operation or whether there is any threat to the public. This is a developing story. We will update this information as authorities provide more details.
Public SafetyWestbound Lanes of I-2 in Álamo Temporarily Closed for Accident Investigation
Westbound main lanes of Interstate 2 (I-2) in Álamo will be temporarily closed for an accident investigation related to a crash that occurred on June 19. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will conduct a skid test as part of the reconstruction of the accident at the Tower Road overpass. Traffic will be diverted to the frontage road during the operation, which is expected to start around 10:00 a.m. and last less than an hour. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes if possible.
Public SafetyTexas Remembers the Shooting That Left 23 Dead at a Walmart
Seven years have passed since the tragic mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso on August 3, 2019, which claimed 23 lives and injured many others. The shooter, Patrick Crusius, traveled over 600 miles from Dallas with the intent to target Hispanic individuals. After pleading guilty to multiple charges, he received several life sentences without parole. The community has since come together, honoring the victims through vigils, memorials, and annual ceremonies. This year, residents and families will gather once again to remember the lives lost, emphasizing resilience and unity under the message 'El Paso Strong.'
Public SafetyMissing 2-Year-Old Girl Found Dead in Texas After Amber Alert Issued
Authorities reported that 2-year-old Aryana Trevino Martinez, who had been reported missing on Sunday night and for whom an Amber Alert was issued, was found in San Antonio, Texas. According to the San Antonio Police Department, the child was discovered unresponsive in a brushy area near where she was initially reported missing.
Public SafetySpontaneous combustion believed to have caused charcoal warehouse fire near Los Fresnos
A fire at a charcoal warehouse near Los Fresnos is believed to have been caused by spontaneous combustion, according to Fire Chief Gene Daniels. The Los Fresnos Fire Department responded to the incident on Ebony Road around 1:15 a.m. on Sunday. Fire crews had to use machinery to remove charcoal from the building to extinguish the blaze, which was under control by 7 a.m. The warehouse was declared a total loss, but no injuries were reported. Thirteen firefighters and multiple fire engines were involved in the response, using approximately 50,000 gallons of water. This location had a similar incident last year.
Public SafetyArraignment hearing set for suspected drunk driver in deadly Alamo auto-ped crash
An arraignment hearing is set for Paola Monserrat Reyes, who faces charges of intoxication manslaughter following a fatal incident in Alamo. Reyes allegedly struck 20-year-old Elian Ramses Ramirez while driving under the influence on February 25. Court documents indicate she will enter a plea at the hearing. Police found Ramirez on Sioux Road, where he was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers noted Reyes's intoxication, including slurred speech and bloodshot eyes, and she reportedly admitted to drinking five alcoholic beverages prior to the crash. Reyes was released from jail on a $100,000 bond on March 12.
Public SafetyMan Distracted Shooter During Deadly In-N-Out Shooting, Witness Says
In Twin Falls, Idaho, a witness reported that a man with a firearm may have saved lives during a shooting at an In-N-Out Burger on Saturday. Lane Koehn, 34, saw the shooter, Chad Williams, 24, exit the drive-thru with an AR-style rifle. Koehn noted that another armed individual distracted Williams, allowing people to escape. The chaotic scene resulted in three deaths and seven injuries, with two in critical condition. Williams died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks stated that the investigation is ongoing, and the police are providing support to the community.