Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyCBP El Paso Air Branch Rescues Injured Hiker
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations El Paso Air Branch successfully rescued an injured hiker in the Franklin Mountains. While conducting rescue training, the crew received a call from El Paso County Search and Rescue for assistance. A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter was deployed, and three members of the COMSAR team were airlifted to the hiker's location. At 1:18 p.m., a rescue specialist descended from the helicopter to assist in the evacuation. The injured hiker was safely transported to McKelligon Canyon and then taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Public SafetyFemale passenger killed in Cameron County wrong-way crash identified
Authorities have identified the woman who died in a wrong-way crash in Cameron County as 34-year-old Aglae Yunuen Patino. The incident took place on Wednesday on FM 511 when a silver Toyota Scion, traveling southbound in the wrong lane, collided head-on with a Kenworth truck towing a tanker trailer. While the driver of the Toyota was taken to a local hospital and is in stable condition, Patino succumbed to her injuries at the scene. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Public SafetyLarissa Rodríguez Case: Judge Allows Lawsuit Over Her Death to Proceed
The legal process regarding the death of Larissa Rodríguez, the 17-year-old whose passing was attributed by the Hidalgo County coroner to a cardiomyopathy caused by excessive caffeine consumption, will continue in court. The main development is that a judge in Hidalgo County denied a request from Glazer’s Beer and Beverage to suspend the case while the company sought a review in a higher court. With this decision, the litigation can proceed in Hidalgo County courts. Regarding the alleged cause of her death, Larissa Rodríguez's parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Glazer’s Beer and Beverage, the company that, according to the lawsuit, distributes energy drinks to H-E-B stores in the Rio Grande Valley. Following this judicial announcement, the case remains ongoing, and it will be up to a court to determine if there is legal liability on the part of the defendant company.
Public SafetyRio Grande City police warn of scammers posing as officers in phone calls
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Rio Grande City Police Department is warning the community about scam phone calls from people pretending to be employees of the police department. According to police, the callers are telling victims that they are under investigation and are demanding money to prevent having their information or "situation posted or blasted
Public SafetyOne Person Arrested for Domestic Disturbance in San Carlos Area
A significant deployment of units from the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office occurred Thursday in the San Carlos community following reports of a domestic disturbance in the area of Hernández Drive. Sheriff's Office spokesperson Raúl González reported that the incident is being investigated as a domestic disturbance and confirmed to Telemundo 40 that one person has been arrested; however, their identity has not been publicly disclosed. Several sheriff's patrols responded to the scene to manage the situation and secure the area. So far, authorities have not released further details about the circumstances of the incident or the charges the arrested individual may face. This is a developing story. We will update this information as authorities provide more details.
Public Safety'I was prepared': Starr County rancher recalls identifying screwworm in calf
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Starr County rancher is urging people to remain vigilant after discovering the first confirmed case of the New World screwworm in a calf. Starr County officials confirmed its first New World screwworm case on Sunday, prompting immediate safety measures to contain the spread of the parasitic fly to protect livestock, wildlife,
Public SafetyMigrants Rescued from Wooden Boxes in Falfurrias
Border Patrol agents thwarted an alleged human trafficking attempt by rescuing nine migrants, including a minor, who were being transported inside sealed wooden boxes. The Border Patrol reported that the migrants were confined in the boxes with little to no ventilation amid the high summer temperatures, posing a serious risk to their lives. The investigation into the case is ongoing, and authorities have not released additional information.
Public SafetyTexas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Captured in Southeastern Oklahoma
James Lee Kirby, 49, was arrested on July 17, 2026, at a campsite near Broken Bow Lake in McCurtain County, Oklahoma. He was a Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive, wanted since February 2, 2026, for failing to appear in court on charges of first-degree rape and incest. Kirby also faced additional charges from Grayson County, Texas, including aggravated sexual assault. His capture resulted from coordinated efforts by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Despite being on the Texas Crime Stoppers list, no reward will be paid for his arrest.
Public SafetyCheck Your Kitchen: Toaster Ovens Sold at Amazon and Costco Recalled Due to Fire Risk
Panasonic has recalled over 11,000 toaster ovens sold through Amazon and Costco due to fire and electric shock risks. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that the insulation on the power cord may be inadequate, as a fiberglass protective cover might not fully shield it. The affected model is the Panasonic NB-G200, which features a temperature knob, six cooking presets, a digital timer, and stainless steel construction. Although no fires or injuries have been reported, there have been four incidents of tripped circuit breakers and one report of a non-functioning unit. Consumers are advised to stop using these ovens and contact Panasonic for refunds.
Public SafetyWoman Identified in Crash on FM 511 in Brownsville
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has identified the victim of a fatal head-on collision that occurred on Wednesday, July 22, on FM 511 in Cameron County. The deceased is Aglae Yunuen Patiño, a 34-year-old resident of Brownsville, who was a passenger in a 2007 Toyota Scion. Preliminary investigations reveal that the accident happened around 8:52 a.m. when a 2020 Kenworth towing a tank was traveling north on FM 511. The Toyota Scion was heading south in the opposite lane when it collided head-on with the truck, south of State Highway 48. The driver of the Toyota was taken to Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen and is in stable condition, while Patiño died at the scene. DPS is continuing to investigate the causes of the crash.
Public SafetyMurder of Gabriella Nicole in Puerto Rico: Jury Deliberates in Trial Against Elvia Cabrera
What you need to know The jury begins deliberations today, Thursday, July 23, in the case against Elvia Cabrera. Cabrera faces charges of first-degree murder and possession and use of a deadly weapon. "En Detalle" with Walter Soto León and Marjorie Ramírez will broadcast the judicial process to provide all updates. This Thursday marks a decisive day in the case of the murder of Gabriela Nicole Pratts, the 16-year-old who was killed on August 11, 2025, in Puerto Rico, allegedly by her friend Anthonieska Avilés, with the presumed complicity of her mother, Elvia Cabrera. According to the Puerto Rico Prosecutor's Office, Cabrera allegedly acted "in agreement" with her daughter, Anthonieska Avilés Cabrera, who is also charged in the same case. Cabrera faces charges of first-degree murder and possession and use of a deadly weapon.
Public SafetyLive Updates: Elvia Cabrera Found Guilty of the Murder of Gabriela Nicole Pratts
What you need to know The jury found Elvia Cabrera guilty of murder. Cabrera faced charges of first-degree murder and possession and use of a deadly weapon. 'En Detalle' with Walter Soto León and Marjorie Ramírez will broadcast the judicial process to provide all the details. This Thursday was a decisive day in the case of the murder of Gabriela Nicole Pratts, the 16-year-old girl who was killed on August 11, 2025, in Puerto Rico, allegedly by her friend Anthonieska Avilés and with the alleged complicity of her mother, Elvia Cabrera. According to the Puerto Rico Prosecutor's Office, Cabrera allegedly acted 'in agreement' with her daughter, Anthonieska Avilés Cabrera, who is also charged in the same case. Cabrera faces charges of first-degree murder and possession and use of a deadly weapon.
Public SafetyMurder of Gabriella Nicole in Puerto Rico: Jury Deliberates in Trial Against Elvia Cabrera
A jury in Puerto Rico is deliberating the case of Elvia Cabrera, accused of being complicit in the murder of 16-year-old Gabriella Nicole, who was killed on August 11, 2025. The jury, consisting of seven women and five men, is tasked with selecting a president before reviewing the evidence presented during the trial. Prosecutors allege that Cabrera acted in concert with her daughter, Anthonieska Avilés, who is also charged. The prosecution argues that Cabrera provided a weapon for the attack, while the defense claims the evidence does not prove Cabrera's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Closing arguments were made on Wednesday, with the jury now deciding the verdict.
Public SafetyWoman killed in wrong-way crash in Cameron County
A tragic head-on collision occurred in Cameron County, resulting in the death of a woman and injuries to another individual. The incident took place at 8:52 a.m. on Wednesday on FM 511, south of State Highway 48. A Kenworth truck, driven by a male, was towing a tanker trailer and heading northbound. In contrast, a silver 2007 Toyota Scion, with a male driver and a female passenger, was traveling southbound in the wrong lane when it collided with the Kenworth. The female passenger died at the scene, while the driver was hospitalized in stable condition. The investigation is ongoing.
Public SafetyHarlingen PD partners with TxDOT to crack down on speeding
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Transportation is partnering with law enforcement agencies to crack down on speeding across the state. Operation Slowdown is an annual campaign by TxDOT to ramp up enforcement statewide and target drivers traveling at high and unsafe speeds. The Harlingen Police Department is one of many agencies teaming
Public SafetyLegal aid scam targets border residents
TRLA warns border residents about a scam targeting people seeking legal assistance, in which impostors are impersonating the nonprofit legal services organization and demanding payment from potential clients.
Public Safety1 killed, 1 hospitalized in wrong-way crash near Brownsville: DPS
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating a wrong-way crash that left one person dead on Wednesday morning near Brownsville. According to DPS, the crash occurred at approximately 8:52 a.m. on FM 511, south of State Highway 48 in Cameron County. A preliminary investigation found that a 2020 Red Kenworth,
Public SafetyTruck Driver Admits to Human Smuggling Scheme Disguised as Carrot Cargo
Rodney William Gipson, a 61-year-old truck driver from Houston, has pleaded guilty to smuggling 24 illegal aliens in his vehicle, disguised as a shipment of carrots. During a secondary inspection at the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint on February 19, authorities discovered the individuals hidden inside the trailer after a K-9 alerted them. Gipson, who has nearly 30 years of experience as a commercial driver, acknowledged he was aware of the illegal activity. He remains free on bond while awaiting sentencing, which could result in up to five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
Public SafetyBrownsville police investigate after body found in state of decomposition
The Brownsville Police Department is conducting an investigation following the discovery of a decomposed body on Central Boulevard. The body was found around 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday in the 2100 block by a pedestrian. Authorities report no immediate signs of foul play, and an autopsy has been ordered to ascertain the cause of death. The identity of the deceased male remains unknown, and the investigation is still active as police gather more information.