Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyPolice seek to identify suspect vehicle involved in Edinburg hit-and-run
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Edinburg Police Department is working to identify a suspect vehicle involved in a hit-and-run that caused property damage on Thursday. Police described the suspect vehicle as a white four-door passenger car, which may have noticeable front-right-side damage. According to police, the car struck and destroyed a wooden fence that covered
Public SafetyThird Person Arrested for Homicide in San Juan Parking Lot
San Juan police reported the arrest of a third person allegedly connected to the homicide that occurred in a supermarket parking lot in San Juan. The suspect is a 24-year-old woman identified as Ivory Ruiz. Ruiz faces the following charges: obstruction of arrest, a Class A misdemeanor, with a bond set at $20,000; three counts of assault against a peace officer, second-degree felonies, with a bond of $30,000 for each charge; and resisting arrest or transport, a Class A misdemeanor, with a bond of $20,000. Police noted that two individuals had already been arrested in connection with this case and stated that the investigation remains active. They also indicated that no further information will be released at this time as the case is still under investigation.
Public SafetyBody of Missing Man Found in Combes
The Combes Police Department announced that the search for 74-year-old José Jesús Lara has been concluded. During the investigation, officers received additional information that led them to conduct a new inspection at Lara's residence. With the assistance of local police from Precinct 5 of Cameron County, Eddie Solís, the agents located José Jesús Lara in a concealed area of the home that had not been discovered during the initial search. The police did not disclose the cause of death or whether there is any criminal investigation related to the case.
Public SafetyBuilding linked to the Gulf Cartel scheduled for auction in September
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A building linked to the Gulf Cartel may be sold to the highest bidder in September. The building, which is located on Military Highway in San Benito, belonged to Carlos Favian Martinez, the son-in-law of Gulf Cartel boss Osiel Cardenas Guillen. Martinez pleaded guilty to extorting people who crossed the Free
Public SafetyRepeat Offender Receives 84 Month Prison Sentence for Federal Firearms Violations
Raymond Gutierrez, a 55-year-old man from Laredo, has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for illegally possessing firearms. He pleaded guilty on July 29, 2025. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos emphasized the seriousness of Gutierrez's actions, which included holding two individuals at gunpoint and threatening them during a domestic disturbance at his ranch. Law enforcement had previously responded to multiple incidents involving Gutierrez's violent behavior and illegal firearms possession. Following a search warrant executed on February 21, 2025, authorities seized six firearms from his property. Gutierrez, a convicted felon, is prohibited from owning guns.
Public SafetyFederal Jury Convicts Mission Resident in Multi-Count Corruption Trial
A 50-year-old resident of Mission, Veronica Inez O’Cana, has been found guilty of conspiracy to commit money laundering, violating the Travel Act, and witness tampering. After a three-day trial and three hours of jury deliberation, O’Cana was convicted for her role in laundering approximately $30,000 intended to benefit a member of the Mission Consolidated Independent School District Board. The scheme aimed to influence the awarding of a $20-25 million energy savings contract. O’Cana faces up to 20 years in prison for the money laundering and witness tampering charges, with sentencing set for October 7. She remains on bond pending the hearing.
Public SafetyMan Arrested in McAllen for Evading Arrest During Traffic Stop
The report was made on Thursday, July 23, around 6 p.m., in the 1000 block of Austin Avenue in McAllen. According to police, when they attempted to pull him over, 34-year-old Alan Michelle Álvarez allegedly fled the scene after an officer initiated the traffic stop. Álvarez now faces a charge of evading arrest, a third-degree felony, and has been set bail at $5,000. The driver was taken into custody without incident and later transported to the Hidalgo County Jail.
Public SafetyWho is Elvia Cabrera and what is happening now in the case of the murder of Gabriela Nicole Pratts?
Elvia Cabrera Rivera was found guilty on Thursday of the first-degree murder of 16-year-old Gabriela Nicole Pratts, a case that has garnered significant public attention both in Puerto Rico and in other parts of the United States. According to the evidence and testimonies presented during the trial, Cabrera allegedly handed the murder weapon to her daughter, Anthonieska Avilés Cabrera, who reportedly stabbed Gabriela Nicole Pratts 11 times. Following the verdict, both the defense and Cabrera's family insisted on her innocence. Meanwhile, prosecutors emphasized that the evidence presented in court was sufficient to prove her guilt of first-degree murder. However, the judicial process is not yet over. Attention now turns to the case of Anthonieska Avilés Cabrera, who is now 18 years old and also faces first-degree murder charges for the teenager's death. Jury selection for her trial began on June 30, although experts anticipate that the process could extend over several weeks due to the notoriety of the case and the challenge of finding an impartial jury. Telemundo PR journalist Walter Soto León, who has closely followed the judicial proceedings, explained that during Elvia Cabrera's trial, jury members were sequestered for several days in a hotel, without access to television, radio, or cell phones, a measure implemented to avoid external influences. Soto León also indicated that one aspect that continues to raise questions is the origin of the conflict that led to the crime. He stated that there was a relationship that was apparently not approved by the family, which caused tensions and multiple confrontations. According to his analysis, Gabriela Nicole Pratts had no direct connection to that initial conflict but ended up being the fatal victim of a series of confrontations that occurred simultaneously. Although the murder weapon has not been recovered, key testimonies presented during the judicial process indicated that Elvia Cabrera had handed a sharp object to her daughter and later stored it in her purse before leaving the scene. Elvia Cabrera's sentencing is scheduled for September 20. If convicted according to the jury's verdict, she could face up to 99 years in prison for first-degree murder.
Public SafetyFederal Agency Operation Reported at San Juan Property
A significant mobilization of federal and state agencies took place on Friday morning at a property located at the intersection of San Antonio and Noble Drive in San Juan. Agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) were seen entering the property to carry out operations. During the operation, HSI agents were observed taking photographs inside and around the building, while Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) personnel secured the perimeter. So far, federal authorities have not disclosed the reason for the operation or whether any arrests or seizures were made.
Public SafetyAuthorities in Edinburg Seek to Identify Vehicle Involved in Hit-and-Run
The property damage and hit-and-run incident, according to police, occurred on Thursday, July 23, in the 3700 block of Lori Morgan Drive. Surveillance footage shows that the suspect vehicle is a white four-door car, which, after the impact, destroyed a wooden fence dividing two neighboring properties and subsequently left the scene without providing contact information. Police reported that the vehicle likely has visible damage on the front right side, as parts of the vehicle and a tire cover were recovered from the scene. Anyone with information about this case can contact the Edinburg Police Department at (956) 289-7700 or Edinburg Crime Stoppers at (956) 383-TIPS (8477).
Public Safety11 People Charged with Smuggling Following Discovery of Dead Migrants in Texas
Federal authorities have charged 11 individuals following the discovery of seven deceased migrants, including a 14-year-old boy, in Texas in May 2026. The accused are linked to an organization involved in human smuggling that used Union Pacific freight containers to transport migrants from Del Río to San Antonio. According to the indictment, from at least April 2023 until May 12, 2026, the defendants and others operated a human trafficking organization that illegally used freight trains to move undocumented immigrants deeper into the United States after having crossed them illegally from Mexico. Each immigrant transported, or their relatives and friends, paid smugglers between $1,500 and $10,000 in Honduras, Mexico, the United States, and other locations. The indictment claims that by late April 2026, the organization began facilitating the illegal transport of at least seven immigrants from Acuña (Mexico) to Del Río (Texas). On May 9, approximately after the smugglers illegally crossed the seven migrants from Mexico into the Del Río area, the organization moved them to a location near the Union Pacific train tracks in that locality. Between 1:18 p.m. and 1:25 p.m., while a Union Pacific train was stopped, the suspects allegedly used red bolt cutters to cut the lock on the door of a Conex-type shipping container, placed the migrants inside, and closed the door. The container was stacked on another and lacked ventilation or refrigeration systems.
Public SafetyHe Strangled Her with the Rice Cooker Cord: This is the Sentence He Received
A maintenance worker from Miami was sentenced to death on Friday for the 2005 murder of a waitress at the Cuban restaurant La Carreta using the cord from a rice cooker. Rafael Andrés, 61, was found guilty in 2014 and subsequently sentenced to death—before being granted a new sentencing trial—for the murder of Ivette Fariñas. At that time, prosecutors stated that Andrés stabbed Fariñas, 31, multiple times in the chest, struck her in the face and head, and strangled her with the power cord of a rice cooker before leaving her apartment engulfed in flames.
Public SafetyJudge allows Weslaco cheerleader wrongful death lawsuit to move forward
A Hidalgo County judge has permitted the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of a Weslaco cheerleader against an energy drink distributor to proceed. The distributor sought to pause the lawsuit while appealing a previous ruling that denied its request for dismissal. Larissa Rodriguez passed away in October 2025 due to an enlarged heart, linked to stress and high caffeine intake from Alani energy drinks. Her family is suing Glazer’s Beer and Beverage, LLC, which claims it only distributed the drinks. The judge confirmed that the lawsuit will continue, allowing both parties to exchange evidence as the appeals process unfolds, which may take 60 to 90 days.
Public SafetyBarricade suspect in custody after stabbing in Edinburg area: Sheriff
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A 27-year-old man is in custody after allegedly stabbing a woman and barricading himself inside a home in the Edinburg area, according to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. Deputies responded to the call for a family disturbance involving a stabbing at the 10500 block of Hernandez Dr. on Thursday afternoon. At
Public SafetyCombes police searching for missing 74-year-old man
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The Combes Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating a missing person. Jose Jesus Lara, 74, was reported missing and last seen at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday. According to police, Lara has a medical condition that requires medication. Lara was last seen wearing light-colored jeans, a black
Public SafetySan Juan Municipal Court urges residents to take advantage of amnesty program
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — If you have any outstanding fines in the city of San Juan, now's your chance to resolve issues with the court without any additional penalties. The San Juan Municipal Court has extended its amnesty program through Aug. 31. During this time, residents with outstanding warrants are urged to make arrangements with
Public Safety4 house fires hit Starr County in two weeks; fire chief warns of electrical risk
Starr County is facing a troubling rise in house fires, with four incidents reported in just two weeks. The most recent fire devastated the Rodriguez family's home on Redwood Road, where they had lived for 40 years. Francisco Rodriguez recounted the harrowing escape, which was complicated by his wife's medical condition. Firefighters from multiple departments responded, and Fire Chief Manuel Muniz noted that electrical issues may be a contributing factor to these fires, especially during the summer heat. He emphasizes the importance of having an escape plan and smoke detectors in homes. The investigation into the cause of the Rodriguez fire is ongoing.
Public SafetyDonna man pleads guilty to hitting ICE officer in the head with a Yeti cup
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man who hit a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in the head with a Yeti cup pleaded guilty Thursday. Reynaldo Cisneros, a 47-year-old truck driver, was building a house in Donna when ICE showed up and began arresting the construction workers. “He threw a Yeti cup. And he regrets
Public SafetyMexican Man Wanted for Child Sexual Assault Added to Most Wanted List
Ruben Calzada Hernandez, a 31-year-old Mexican national, has been added to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). He is wanted for aggravated sexual assault of a child in Caldwell County since June 13, 2026. Texas Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $3,000 for information leading to his arrest, with all tips remaining anonymous. Calzada Hernandez has ties to Caldwell and Williamson counties and is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing approximately 180 pounds, with a distinctive tattoo on his left forearm.