Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyRemains of Nancy Guthrie May Be in Mexico, According to Anonymous Tips
NOGALES - The remains of Nancy Guthrie could be located in the Nogales area, south of the border between Mexico and the United States. The Colectivo Buscando Corazones de Nogales received two anonymous calls that allegedly reveal the whereabouts in Sonora of Savannah Guthrie's mother, according to information from NBC. Nancy Guthrie was 84 years old when she disappeared from her home in Tucson at the end of January. In the past month, Buscando Corazones has conducted two searches in the Mariposa area, northwest of Nogales, explained Raymona Guadalupe Ayala Ortiz, a member of the group, to NBC.
Public SafetyCEO and Others Convicted in Wastewater Test Falsification Scheme
Derek McCoy, 52, former CEO of a wastewater testing laboratory, along with Deena Higginbotham, 56, and John Montgomery, 60, have pleaded guilty to falsifying wastewater test results. The trio, from Spring and Llano, manipulated data to misrepresent compliance with pollutant limits set by state discharge permits over a three-year period. Their actions violated the Clean Water Act and were reported to the EPA and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. They face up to two years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, with sentencing scheduled for September 3, 2026.
Public SafetyMan Accused of Recording Person Inside Bathroom in Harlingen
The police investigation reported that the incident occurred on May 11, around 9:20 a.m. in the 4700 block of South Expressway 77. According to the complainant, while inside a bathroom stall of a local business, he was allegedly recorded by a man. Upon realizing what was happening, he confronted the suspect, identified as 39-year-old Gregorio Ramírez Jr., a resident of Harlingen. Authorities noted that Ramírez fled the scene, and after reviewing the establishment's surveillance footage, they were able to obtain a description of the suspect and the vehicle he was driving. As part of the case, detectives confiscated the accused's cell phone for analysis as evidence, and a forensic examination of the device revealed numerous photographs of unidentified men taken inside public restrooms. Investigators are currently working to identify the individuals in those images and determine if there are additional victims. Ramírez appeared before a judge and was granted a bond of $7,500. Additionally, anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Harlingen Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division at (956) 216-5516.
Public SafetyConvicted Child Sex Offender Arrested by U.S. Border Patrol Agents in Del Rio
U.S. Border Patrol agents in Del Rio arrested Lazaro Alberto Betancourt-Osorio, a 44-year-old Cuban man with a history of child sex offenses. On June 1, agents discovered him and six others hiding in the brush near El Indio. Betancourt-Osorio was previously convicted in Florida in 2012 for using a computer to lure a child, resulting in a 42-month prison sentence. He was deported in 2016 and again in 2025 for illegal reentry. He now faces charges under 8 USC § 1326, which could lead to a maximum of 20 years in prison. Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent emphasized the need for vigilance at the border.
Public SafetyAlleged Cockfighting at Monte Alto Property Ends in Arrest
The investigation began when a helicopter pilot from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), during a routine aerial patrol, noticed numerous vehicles gathered at the property and alerted state agents. Upon arrival, they observed several individuals fleeing the area and requested support from the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. Shortly after, the property owner, identified as 41-year-old Arnulfo Arizmendi, consented to an inspection of a warehouse located on the premises. During the search, agents found several roosters, a dead rooster, and other items that authorities say are consistent with cockfighting activities. Additionally, investigators interviewed witnesses who claimed that Arizmendi allegedly charged an admission fee to enter the venue and attend the event.
Public SafetyCockfighting at Monte Alto Property Ends in Arrest
The investigation began when a helicopter pilot from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), during a routine aerial patrol, observed numerous vehicles gathered at the property and notified state agents. Upon arrival, they saw several people fleeing the area and requested support from the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. Shortly after, the property owner, identified as 41-year-old Arnulfo Arizmendi, consented to an inspection of a warehouse located on the premises. During the search, agents found several roosters, a dead rooster, and other items that authorities say are consistent with cockfighting activities. Additionally, investigators interviewed witnesses who claimed that Arizmendi allegedly charged an admission fee to enter the venue and attend the event.
Public SafetyFirefighters Contain Blaze at Weslaco Home
The Weslaco Fire Department responded to a residential fire on Nevada Avenue that caused significant damage to a home. The fire started in a small bedroom near the main entrance and was contained to that area, preventing further spread. However, smoke affected about three-quarters of the residence. Minor damage occurred in three rooms on the south side, but most belongings in those areas were recoverable. The incident was managed solely by the Weslaco Fire Department, with no need for assistance from other emergency agencies.
Public SafetySuspect Arrested in Home Depot Theft in Harlingen
A suspect in a robbery at a Home Depot in Harlingen has been arrested following a tip from a citizen to 'Crime Stoppers.' The Harlingen Police Department reported that the information received allowed detectives to identify and apprehend the individual. The identity of the suspect and the specific charges have not yet been disclosed. 'Crime Stoppers' emphasized the significance of community collaboration in criminal investigations and reminded the public that they can provide information anonymously.
Public SafetyDPS and Border Patrol Detain Group Including Russian Immigrant in Roma
Authorities reported that a joint operation by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Border Patrol led to the detention of 10 undocumented immigrants near Roma in Starr County. This operation took place on June 7 as part of the state’s Operation Lone Star initiative. Among those detained was a woman from Russia, identified as a foreign national of special interest. The 10 immigrants were subsequently transferred to Border Patrol custody for processing, according to officials.
Public SafetyPort of Brownsville drowning victim identified as woman from El Salvador
Authorities have identified a 60-year-old woman from El Salvador, Ana Idalia Reyes, as the victim who drowned at the Port of Brownsville. Her body was discovered on Friday after family members reported her missing from the fishing harbor. The Port of Brownsville Police and Security Department confirmed that a preliminary autopsy indicated drowning as the cause of death. The investigation is currently being supported by federal agencies and the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office.
Public SafetySafety Alert: Lead Detected In Black+Decker Blender
Consumer Reports has issued a safety alert regarding the Black+Decker PowerCrush BL1230 blender after a report linked it to elevated blood lead levels in a child. Health officials suspect that the blender, used for making baby food, may have caused the exposure. Lead is a toxic metal that poses significant health risks, especially to young children. Consumers are advised to monitor safety announcements from the manufacturer and regulators. If you own this blender, it is recommended to stop using it for food preparation, particularly for infants. For concerns about lead exposure, consult a healthcare provider.
Public SafetyAlamo Fire Department unveils command center for storm response
The city of Alamo has inaugurated its first emergency command center at Fire Station No. 2, enhancing storm response capabilities. During a ceremony, Fire Chief R.C. Flores emphasized the center's role in timely and accurate public communication during severe weather. The fire station has also undergone renovations, and the department has acquired a new fire truck. This event coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Alamo Fire Department, which was established in 1926. City officials highlighted the importance of investing in resources to continue serving the community for future generations.
Public SafetyHer chain of command failed her: Reactions to sentencing of Angelina Resendiz killer
Jeremiah Copeland, a 21-year-old Navy sailor, was sentenced to 44 years in prison for the murder of Angelina Resendiz, a 21-year-old Brownsville woman and fellow sailor. Resendiz's remains were discovered on June 9, 2025, one year prior to Copeland's sentencing on June 9, 2026. He pleaded guilty to several charges related to her death. Resendiz's family criticized the Navy for not taking her disappearance seriously, with her mother, Esmeralda Castle, expressing the need for accountability. Friends and family attended the sentencing, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues of safety within the military community.
Public SafetyFeds seize nearly 100 pounds of cocaine in Edinburg
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — State troopers caught a man with nearly 100 pounds of cocaine Monday in Edinburg, according to the criminal complaint against him. Troopers stopped Julio Cesar Gonzalez Flores, 52, of San Juan for a traffic violation and requested permission to search his GMC Safari van. During the search, troopers discovered two speaker
Public SafetyPolice identify woman who drowned at Port of Brownsville
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —The Port of Brownsville Police and Security Department on Wednesday identified a woman whose body was recovered from the water at the Port of Brownsville last week. Ana Idalia Reyes, 60, of El Salvador, was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead after her body was recovered from the water on Friday, June
Public SafetyMexican National Extradited to U.S. in Child Exploitation Case
A 39-year-old Mexican citizen, Abelardo Sanchez, is facing charges in McAllen federal court for producing child pornography. Arrested in Austria in December 2025, he was extradited to the U.S. on June 5, 2026, and made his initial court appearance on June 8. The indictment alleges that Sanchez operated an online account containing child sexual abuse material dating back to 2014, involving a minor victim from Texas. If convicted, he could face 25 to 50 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The case is part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative.
Public SafetyHouston Man gets 32 years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Minors in Two Texas cities
Cristian Morris, a 23-year-old from Houston, has been sentenced to 32 years in federal prison for sex trafficking minors. A jury found him guilty of two counts of trafficking and enticing minors after a trial in March 2025. Morris recruited teenage girls, provided them with drugs, and posted explicit ads for commercial sex in Houston and Dallas. He was arrested on June 23, 2023, after advertising for a 15-year-old runaway. Following his prison term, he will serve 15 years of supervised release, during which he must comply with restrictions on accessing children and the internet. He will also register as a sex offender.
Public SafetyTexas DPS Increases Reward to $6,000 for 1992 Refugio County Cold Case
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is asking for help in identifying a woman whose remains were discovered in Refugio County in 1992. The reward for information leading to an arrest has been raised to $6,000 by Texas Crime Stoppers. The woman's body was found by a pipeline crew on March 2, 1992, and investigators believe she died from a gunshot wound. She is described as being between 20 and 35 years old, approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall, and wearing distinctive clothing. Tips can be submitted via the Crime Stoppers hotline or the DPS website.
Public SafetySuspect Identified in Ohio Festival Shooting that Left 12 Injured
Ohio police are searching for a 20-year-old suspect and a 'second shooter' in connection with a shooting that occurred Saturday during a neighborhood festival in Toledo, injuring 12 people. Ka Nye Taylor is wanted on 11 counts of felonious assault related to the shooting at the Old West End Festival, according to the Toledo Police Department's report on Wednesday. The department added that the suspect was identified after conducting interviews and following various investigative leads. Taylor is described as a Black male, 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 130 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Investigators have also received 'photographs of a second shooter' and are asking the public for assistance in identifying him. Both Crime Stoppers and the U.S. Marshals Service are offering rewards of $10,000 and $5,000, respectively, for information leading to their arrests. The mass shooting on Saturday left 12 injured and stemmed from 'a dispute between two rival groups,' police reported on Tuesday. The oldest victim is 61 years old and the youngest is 14, according to Lieutenant Dan Gerken. He added that most of the affected individuals are in their 20s. 'While investigators believe some of the victims were targeted, most of the injured appear to have been innocent bystanders caught in this senseless act of violence,' said Toledo Police Chief Michael Troendle on Tuesday. Police estimate that three of the victims were involved in the dispute between the groups, while the other nine were caught in the crossfire. All victims are expected to survive; nine have already been discharged from the hospital. Troendle stated on Tuesday that authorities 'are still trying to piece together' how the shooting unfolded on Saturday night. This note was translated with the help of an artificial intelligence tool. An editor from Telemundo Digital reviewed the translation. This article was originally published in English by Rebecca Cohen for our sister network NBC News.