Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyTexas Rangers Cold Case Unit Expands Statewide
The Texas Department of Public Safety has announced the statewide expansion of the Texas Rangers’ Unsolved Crimes Investigation Program, which focuses on cold case murders and sexual assaults. This initiative, supported by Senate Bill 1, increases the program's personnel to 17 Rangers and three support staff, doubling its size. Each of the six Texas Ranger companies will now have an additional Ranger dedicated to cold cases. The program has resolved over 300 cases, including 156 sexual assaults since the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative began in 2020. The Rangers also assist in advanced DNA testing to solve these cases.
Public SafetyWhat Happened to Missing Hispanic Man in 2024: Suspect Charged with Murder
Authorities have arrested a man in connection with the disappearance and death of Jorge Garza Perales, who was last seen in August 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. According to officials, one of the suspects has been identified as Yesid O. Villabona Leon, after investigators pieced together the events through forensic evidence, surveillance videos, and the testimony of the accused. Court documents reveal that the case dates back to August 21, 2024, when Jorge Garza Perales was last seen at his residence. Days later, his mother reported him missing, noting that he was someone who maintained daily contact with his family. Authorities discovered that prior to his disappearance, Garza Perales was living with two roommates. However, when the case was reported, these roommates' rooms had already been emptied, and his vehicle was also missing. The investigation progressed with the tracking of the victim's cell phone, which showed a route from San Antonio heading south on the night of August 21, passing through areas of Atascosa County. Surveillance videos captured two vehicles traveling together: one dark and another matching the description of the victim's car. At a gas station, cameras recorded drivers making purchases and refueling before leaving again in the same direction. Months later, on November 21, 2024, Garza Perales' car was found abandoned in a parking lot in downtown San Antonio. During the inspection, authorities found evidence of blood inside, including on the seats and console. Cleaning products and a bottle of bleach were also located in the vehicle, which, according to the investigation, could indicate attempts to alter the scene. Key witness statements emerged during the investigation from an anonymous witness who indicated that one of the victim's roommates, later identified as Marlon Roney Vasquez-García, had confessed to the crime. Records show that Vasquez-García left the country shortly after the incident, allegedly heading to Honduras. The court document states that Villabona Leon was arrested on December 13, 2024, in North Carolina. After being transferred to Texas, he provided a statement to authorities claiming that during a confrontation, Vasquez-García placed the victim in a chokehold that ultimately caused his death. According to his account, both transported the body in the victim's vehicle to a rural area near Atascosa and Live Oak counties, where they abandoned it. In March 2025, search teams located human remains on a ranch in Live Oak County. Among the findings were a human skull and clothing matching the victim's description. Subsequently, Villabona Leon led authorities to the site and confirmed it was where the body had been left. Villabona Leon faces a murder charge, while investigations related to the case continue. As for the second suspect, court documents indicate he left the country for Honduras days after the crime, and his current whereabouts are not detailed.
Public SafetyHarlingen Issues Alert About Email Fraud Posing as Official Communications
The city warns that emails may appear to be official and request personal information, documents, or even payments related to permits, development projects, inspections, zoning issues, or municipal fees. Therefore, residents and business owners are urged to exercise caution. They also asked anyone receiving suspicious messages to immediately contact the city's Planning and Development Department. At the same time, they reminded the public not to make payments based on instructions received via email. Currently, the city is monitoring the situation following reports of this type of fraud.
Public SafetyAuthorities Seek to Identify Suspect in Harlingen Store Theft
Authorities in Harlingen are seeking public assistance to identify a woman suspected of theft at the Academy store. Surveillance images from the incident have been released as part of the investigation. The Area Crime Stoppers organization encourages anyone with information to report it anonymously by calling 956-425-TIPS (8477), visiting the website 425TIPS.com, or using the P3 Tips mobile app.
Public SafetyFBI Captures Man in Mexico Accused of Killing His Wife After Their Wedding
The FBI has captured Arnoldo Jiménez in Mexico, a fugitive wanted for the murder of his wife, Estrella Carrera, just 48 hours after their wedding in 2012. Jiménez allegedly stabbed Carrera during an argument in their Maserati. Following the murder, he reportedly left her body in the bathtub of their Burbank, Illinois apartment. The FBI increased the reward for his capture from $100,000 to $250,000 in May 2023. Jiménez faces aggravated murder charges in Cook County, Illinois, and federal charges for fleeing to avoid prosecution. He had been on the FBI's Most Wanted list since 2012.
Public SafetyArrested in Raymondville for Alleged Drug Possession Hidden in Vehicle
Eric Hilario Figueroa, a 46-year-old man, was arrested in Raymondville for allegedly possessing hidden drugs in his vehicle. The incident occurred on June 17 during a traffic stop on Business 77, south of FM 490, where deputies from the Willacy County Sheriff's Office obtained consent to search the car. They discovered approximately 24.6 grams of crack cocaine and 41.2 grams of methamphetamine concealed in a compartment. Figueroa faces multiple charges, including two counts of manufacturing or delivering a controlled substance, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, and one count each of drug paraphernalia possession and possession of a dangerous drug. The investigation is ongoing.
Public Safety19-year-old man accused of fatally shooting his parents and grandmother in their Alton home
A 19-year-old man from Alton, Gaurav Chopra, has been arrested and charged with the murders of his parents and grandmother. The incident occurred at their home on Roosevelt Avenue, where two victims were found dead, and a third died later in the hospital. All three suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the head. Chopra is facing capital murder charges and attempted murder, with no bond set for the murder charges. He also faces a charge of evading arrest, with a bond of $250,000. Authorities reported that Chopra shot at his brother but missed, and a handgun was recovered at the crash site after a police chase.
Public SafetyMotorcyclist charged with murder, intoxication manslaughter in Mission crash
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — More than a month after being accused of causing a fatal crash, a Mission motorcyclist has been charged with murder. Apolonio Perez, 39, of Mission was charged with murder, a first-degree felony; intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle, a second-degree felony; and evading arrest, a third-degree felony, on June 12, according to
Public Safety20-Year Prison Sentence Handed to Mexican National for International Cocaine Conspiracy
Leonel Mata Luna, a 51-year-old man from Houston, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his involvement in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy that lasted nearly a decade. He pleaded guilty on September 6, 2023, and admitted to violating supervised release terms from a previous drug conviction. The court found that he played a leadership role in a drug trafficking organization that moved over 100 kilograms of cocaine from Monterrey, Mexico, to the U.S. Luna was arrested in September 2022 after being a fugitive for seven years. He will remain in custody until his transfer to a federal prison.
Public SafetySecurity guard says a tourniquet saved his life after being shot at Harlingen gentleman club
A Harlingen security guard, Rogelio Lopez, spoke out about being shot during a confrontation with Thomas Matthew Puente at the VIP Gentleman's Club on May 2. After being removed from the club earlier, Puente returned armed with a shotgun, leading to a struggle where Lopez was shot in the leg. Despite suffering a shattered femur, Lopez continued to fight until help arrived. He credits a tourniquet he carried daily for saving his life, applying it to his wound. Lopez underwent three surgeries and is now in physical therapy, urging others to learn how to use a tourniquet to save lives.
Public SafetyNo bond on murder charges for Alton suspect accused of fatally shooting his parents and grandmother
A 19-year-old man from Alton, Gaurav Chopra, is being held without bond on multiple murder charges after allegedly shooting his parents and grandmother. The incident occurred at a home on Roosevelt Avenue, where two victims were found dead, and a third died later in the hospital. All three suffered gunshot wounds to the head. Chopra was arraigned on charges of capital murder and attempted murder, with no bond set for the murder charges. He also faces a $250,000 bond for evading arrest. Authorities have not disclosed a motive, and Chopra is a student at UTRGV.
Public SafetyCaught with three AK-47s, gun smuggler pleads guilty
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man who attempted to cross the border with three AK-47s pleaded guilty Thursday. Edgar Emanuel Reyes Balderrama, 32, of Mexico attempted to cross the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge in December. During a search, officers discovered three AK-47s hidden in his car. “You knew it was illegal?” U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S.
Public SafetyDPS Trooper Dies in Traffic Crash
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced the tragic death of 27-year-old Highway Patrol Trooper Sergio Romero, who died in a traffic accident in Childress County. The incident occurred on June 17 while Trooper Romero was conducting a traffic stop on US-287 when a semi-truck collided with his patrol unit. He died at the scene, and the crash is under investigation. DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin expressed condolences, highlighting Romero's dedication to serving Texas. Trooper Romero, who previously worked with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, leaves behind a wife and two young sons. He is the 244th DPS officer to die in the line of duty since 1823.
Public SafetyMcAllen police seek woman in connection with assault investigation
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The McAllen Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a suspect in an ongoing assault investigation. The assault was reported on April 29 on the 7600 block of North 10th St. in McAllen. Police identified Joanna Coronado, 35, of Pharr as a suspect in the case. Coronado is
Public SafetyMcAllen Police Seek Public’s Help in Locating Assault Suspect
The McAllen Police Department is seeking assistance from the public to locate 35-year-old Joanna Coronado, who is wanted in connection with an assault investigation. The incident was reported on April 29, 2026, in the 7600 block of North 10th St. After a thorough investigation, Coronado was identified as the primary suspect, leading to an arrest warrant issued by a magistrate for Assault, a Class ‘A’ Misdemeanor. Coronado is approximately 5’03” tall, weighs around 210 lbs, has brown hair and brown eyes, and her last known address is in Pharr, TX. Tips can be submitted anonymously to McAllen Crime Stoppers at (956) 687-TIPS.
Public SafetyMajor Weekend Drug Bust: CBP Seizes $984,000 Worth of Cocaine in Laredo
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Laredo seized over $984,000 worth of cocaine in two separate incidents. The first seizure occurred on June 13 at the Camino Real Bridge in Eagle Pass, where a 53-year-old Mexican man was found with nearly 23 pounds of cocaine hidden in his 2015 Toyota Camry, valued at approximately $306,723. The second seizure took place on June 12 at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge in Laredo, involving a 56-year-old Mexican man with 50.75 pounds of cocaine in his 2020 Nissan Frontier, worth about $677,617. Both drivers were arrested, and investigations are ongoing.
Public SafetyMission man accused of posing as vet, injecting dog for $150
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man known as "Rick the Vet" was arrested almost six years after he was accused of posing as a veterinarian during the COVID-19 pandemic, records indicate. Ricardo Arispe Chavez, of Mission, was charged with violating veterinary regulations, a Class A misdemeanor, according to Hidalgo County records. A criminal complaint revealed
Public SafetyMcAllen Police Seek Woman Named in Assault Investigation
The incident under investigation was reported on April 29 in the 7600 block of North 10th Street and points to a woman identified as Joanna Coronado, 35, who is a suspect in an assault that occurred in the city. A judge from the McAllen Municipal Court determined that there was probable cause to issue an arrest warrant against her for the charge of assault, classified as a Class A misdemeanor. The police provided the following physical description of Coronado: Approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing 210 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Her last known address is in the city of Pharr, and the police request that anyone with information on her whereabouts contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at (956) 687-8477 or through the P3 Tips mobile app.
Public SafetyWATCH: Alton capital murder suspect to be arraigned
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A suspect accused of killing three people in Alton is being arraigned this morning at the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center. Alton police chief Mark J. Perez identified the suspect as Gaurav Chopra. He is charged with capital murder in connection with a deadly shooting that took place Tuesday night. Officers were