Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public Safety'Unimaginable loss': 6 year-old boy electrocuted, death ruled accidental
A tragic incident occurred in Harlingen, Texas, where 6-year-old Jordan Aure Buitron was electrocuted after stakes from a water slide punctured an underground electrical wire. The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies responded to a call about an unresponsive child on Viesha Avenue around 9:36 p.m. on Saturday. Buitron was taken to a local hospital but was pronounced dead despite lifesaving efforts. A preliminary autopsy confirmed electrocution as the cause of death, and the Medical Examiner’s Office ruled it accidental. The sheriff expressed condolences to the family during this difficult time.
Public SafetyPolice identify body found in Brownsville
The Brownsville Police Department has identified the body of a man discovered by a pedestrian last week as 54-year-old Felipe Ramirez. The body was found in a decomposed state on July 21 in the 2100 block of Central Boulevard. An autopsy showed no signs of trauma, but a toxicology report is still pending. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body.
Public SafetyEdinburg man charged in connection with shooting outside nightclub
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An Edinburg man has been charged in connection with a shooting that occurred at a parking lot outside a nightclub in rural Edinburg earlier this month, the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office announced Monday morning. Rodrigo Castillo, 18, of Edinburg, was arrested Friday on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly
Public SafetySuspect in Seattle Shooting is a 15-Year-Old Boy, City Mayor Says
The suspect arrested after the shooting that killed three people and injured at least four others at a food festival near Seattle's Space Needle is 15 years old, the city's mayor reported on Monday. The teenager is in a juvenile detention center while being investigated for assault and possession of firearms and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday afternoon, Mayor Katie Wilson said at a press conference. Authorities are still searching for a second suspect. Investigators believe the two suspects were shooting at each other on Sunday, and although one remains at large, Seattle Police Deputy Chief Tyrone Davis stated at a press conference Sunday night that there is no ongoing threat to the public. The police do not have a description of the suspect who is still at large, the officer indicated. "We are still trying to piece this together," Davis expressed. The police did not respond to phone and email inquiries. Two people died at the scene and a third died in a hospital. They were described as two men, ages 19 and 44, and a 56-year-old woman. The four injured, including a 2-year-old child, were hospitalized. The child was in satisfactory condition on Monday. The others—a 23-year-old man, a 27-year-old man, and a 39-year-old woman—were discharged, a hospital spokesperson said. Davis could not say if any of the victims were involved in the confrontation. Vendors who fled, abandoning their food stands, were cleaning up on Monday. A candlelight vigil was planned for Monday night at the International Fountain in downtown. The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. on Sunday, during the final hours of Bite of Seattle, an annual three-day festival that attracts hundreds of food vendors and retailers, as well as artists. Dozens of officers were providing security at the event, and some witnessed one of the suspects firing, Davis noted. One suspect surrendered at the scene, but the other fled. A large number of police and emergency teams arrived and began evacuating the area around the expansive Seattle Center complex. Faith Adia Hunter recounted that she and her friends had just bought food from a crepe stand when the gunfire erupted. "We were about to start eating, then we heard someone shout something, and then we saw people starting to run," Hunter said. "So we ran too." "We were right next to it when it started, so we ran out," Hunter added. Hunter described how, in the rush to find a safe place, she and others ran toward the nearby Seattle Children's Museum. Amid the chaos, many vendors rushed to the exits, leaving their food stands behind. Hours later, some were wandering outside the police cordon, wondering when they would be allowed to return to collect their tents, food, and cooking equipment. Roberto Ramírez, a vendor at the event, said he heard something that sounded like firecrackers before people started shouting "shooter" and running frantically. "Suddenly everything was empty," he said. "People were terrified." After the initial panic, new attendees continued to arrive unaware of what had happened, and police directed them to leave, he added. Estan Wakonabo shared that he and his girlfriend were at the festival, waiting in line for a photo booth, when someone pushed him from behind and, turning around, he saw a stampede of people fleeing. "People were hiding, pushing, people were falling to the ground, strollers were falling over," Wakonabo said, adding that it was then he heard the gunshots. "When I heard 'pop, pop, pop,' that’s when I knew it was a shooter," he expressed. Wakonabo noted that after escorting his girlfriend to safety, he returned to the scene to take photos and saw several victims on the ground. The festival began in 1982 and attracts 350,000 attendees, according to its website. This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. A Telemundo Digital editor reviewed the translation.
Public SafetyBrownsville police seek help after stolen car used for 'burger run'
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department is asking the public for help identifying a person accused of stealing a vehicle before taking it for a "quick burger run." According to a news release, the male is a person of interest in the theft of a Kia Optima. Brownsville police say the male forcibly entered
Public SafetyTexas Rangers, Amarillo Police Solve 1997 Cold Case Murder
Investigators have identified Jimmy Dale McClinton as the suspect in the 1997 murder of Gloria Ann Covington in Amarillo, Texas, using modern DNA testing. Covington's body was discovered in Hilltop Park, showing signs of multiple stab wounds and sexual assault. Despite extensive investigations over the years, McClinton was never a suspect until DNA evidence linked him to the crime in February 2024. Although he had a history of violence against women, he died in November 2025 before prosecution could begin. The case is now closed, with no arrests made. The Texas Rangers and Amarillo Police collaborated on this investigation.
Public SafetyBody Found on Central Boulevard in Brownsville Identified
As part of the case update, Brownsville police announced that the victim was Felipe Ramírez, 54 years old. The body was found in the 2100 block of Central Boulevard following a 911 call from a citizen. The autopsy, according to authorities, found no signs of trauma, and toxicology results are pending; therefore, the cause of death has not yet been determined.
Public SafetyMercedes Man Facing Charges After Fatal Fentanyl Overdose
A 28-year-old man from Mercedes, Bryan Alexis Cedillo, has been indicted for charges related to a fentanyl overdose death. During his initial court appearance, U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan F. Alanis ordered Cedillo to remain in custody. The indictment claims Cedillo sold narcotics that led to the victim's death and continued selling drugs even after learning of the incident. If found guilty, he faces a minimum of 20 years to life in federal prison and a potential fine of up to $1 million. The investigation was conducted by the Weslaco Police Department with assistance from ICE's Homeland Security Investigations.
Public SafetyYoung Man Accused of Shooting and Wounding a Woman in Edinburg
Eighteen-year-old Rodrigo Castillo was arrested for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred in early July in the 5100 block of South Raúl Longoria Road, in a rural area of Edinburg. The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office investigation indicates that officers found an adult woman with non-life-threatening injuries, and she was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment. Castillo was arrested on July 24 and brought before a judge on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony. The judge set his bond at $100,000. The sheriff's office reported that the investigation remains active.
Public SafetyCameras Capture Suspected Vehicle Thief in Brownsville
The Brownsville Police Department is investigating a vehicle theft involving a Kia Optima. The suspect allegedly forced entry into the car and made a stop to buy hamburgers before abandoning the vehicle, which has since been recovered. Police have released images of the suspect and are asking anyone with information to contact Brownsville Crime Stoppers at (956) 546-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip at www.p3tips.com.
Public SafetyMultiple Animal Cruelty Charges for Elsa Man
Gilbert Ivarra Jr., a 22-year-old man from Elsa, was arrested by local police on charges of animal cruelty following community reports. He faces three counts of animal cruelty, with bail set at a total of $60,000. The animals involved are reported to be in good health and receiving proper care. Additionally, the police department noted that an external organization launched a massive email campaign over the weekend, overwhelming their email system and complicating the investigation.
Public SafetyA parent's worst nightmare: 12-year-old killed by stray bullet in The Bronx
A 12-year-old boy named Jacob Freytes was tragically killed by a stray bullet in the Bronx on Saturday. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. outside a bodega during a fight involving several individuals. William Ferrer, 45, was arrested the following day and charged with murder, attempted murder, and other offenses. He pleaded not guilty in court. Jacob, son of a retired NYPD officer, was buying snacks when he was shot. Emergency responders transported him to the hospital, where he later died. The community mourns his loss, and local officials emphasize the need for stricter gun control measures.
Public SafetyYoung Man Accused of Shooting His Ex-Girlfriend and Her Brother Who Came to Her Defense
HOUSTON – The double homicide of a pair of siblings, allegedly at the hands of an 18-year-old woman's ex-boyfriend, shook a neighborhood north of Houston this weekend. The two siblings were identified as 18-year-old Karen Rivera and 29-year-old Alberto Sidonio. According to investigators, officers responded Sunday morning to a report of gunfire on the 200 block of West Canino Road, where they found the two siblings at the entrance of a mobile home park with multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities have charged 19-year-old Ángel Javier Rodríguez, Rivera's ex-partner and the father of her 2-year-old son, with the double homicide that occurred around 11 a.m. According to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, the incident began when Rodríguez arrived to pick up the child without a car seat. When another family member came to take the child, authorities said Rodríguez allegedly attacked his ex-girlfriend and shot her multiple times.
Public SafetyBody Wrapped in Plastic Found in Closet During Search for Missing Man
TEXAS – The Bexar County Sheriff's Office is investigating a possible homicide that occurred in a neighborhood on the far west side of San Antonio after authorities discovered a body inside a home. According to Sheriff Javier Salazar, deputies responded around 4:00 p.m. this Sunday to the 13000 block of Yturria Ranch after receiving a report related to the disappearance of a 30-year-old man. Upon arrival, officers were met by two women who reported that the man had experienced some sort of nightmare and subsequently left the residence. However, during a search of the home, deputies found traces of blood inside. The investigation took a turn when officers checked a closet within the residence and located a body wrapped in plastic.
Public SafetyDoorDash driver caught with 23 pistols, DPS says
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A state trooper caught a DoorDash driver with 23 pistols, 11,620 rounds of ammunition and vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana in July, according to a criminal complaint filed against him. At 8:48 p.m. on July 9, a state trooper stopped a gray Chevrolet Silverado near the intersection of South 10th Street and
Public SafetySeveral people injured in shooting at Seattle Center, police say
A shooting at Seattle Center during a food festival left three people dead and four others injured on Sunday night. The victims included a 19-year-old man, a 44-year-old man, and a 56-year-old woman, according to the Seattle Police Department. One suspect is in custody, while authorities are searching for another. Police believe the two suspects exchanged gunfire, posing no ongoing threat to the public. Emergency responders arrived shortly after 6 p.m., but efforts to save two victims were unsuccessful. The festival, The Bite of Seattle, was concluding its three-day event when the incident occurred.
Public SafetyInvestigation underway into child's death in Alamo: Sheriff
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a child in rural Alamo that occurred on Saturday night, according to a news release. At approximately 9:36 p.m. on Saturday, deputies responded to a call of an unresponsive child at the 5900 block of Veisha Avenue in rural Alamo. According to
Public SafetyWoman facing charges after crashing into Mission hair salon
A woman was arrested for driving while intoxicated and possession of a controlled substance after crashing her vehicle into EZ Cuts hair salon in Mission. The incident took place on Friday at approximately 11:34 a.m. in the 300 block of North Shary Road. Authorities reported that the driver was operating a black 2020 Ford Edge when it collided with the salon. Both the driver and another woman inside the salon at the time were hospitalized. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Public SafetyInvestigation Underway into Death of Minor Following Incident in Rural Alamo
Authorities are investigating the death of a minor in rural Alamo after he was found unconscious. The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office reported that officers responded to a call on Viesha Avenue around 9:36 p.m. Upon arrival, they learned that a family member had already taken the child to a nearby hospital. Despite medical staff's efforts to save him, the child was pronounced dead upon arrival. Investigators are actively working at the scene and following up on the case to determine the exact causes of the incident. No further information has been released as the investigation is ongoing.