Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyTraffic Stop Ends in Rescue of Driver Trapped in Burning Vehicle
A traffic stop on a Texas highway turned into a life-saving rescue when Southlake Police Officer Joshua Swisher pulled a driver from a burning vehicle just seconds before it was engulfed in flames. Swisher had stopped a speeding Mercedes when he noticed a smoking car nearby. He rushed to the vehicle, breaking the driver's side window to extract the dazed driver as smoke filled the car. The entire rescue took less than 30 seconds. Fortunately, the driver suffered no serious injuries, and Swisher received recognition from the Southlake Police Department for his heroic actions. The speeding driver received only a warning instead of a ticket.
Public SafetyVehicle on Fire Causes Major Blaze on Val Verde Highway
A fire that started in a GMC truck escalated into a multi-acre blaze on Monday night in Donna, prompting a response from several fire departments in the Rio Grande Valley. The incident occurred around 9:10 p.m. on North Val Verde Road. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The dry brush allowed the flames to spread quickly towards an undeveloped area filled with tall weeds and palm trees, advancing westward towards a nursery and coming close to a tire storage facility. Emergency crews managed to contain the fire before it reached the tire area. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Public SafetyWeslaco home damaged by fire linked to possible refrigerator problem
A fire in Weslaco, potentially caused by a refrigerator malfunction, occurred around 7 a.m. on Monday at a residence on Bethany Drive. The Hidalgo County Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the incident, noting that the fire originated near the refrigerator. The homeowner reported previous issues with the appliance freezing up. Julio Mata, an appliance parts supplier, emphasized the importance of regular maintenance, including checking cords and ensuring proper installation to prevent electrical hazards. Fortunately, one person was inside during the fire but escaped unharmed and was taken to the hospital for precautionary measures. The home is not deemed a total loss.
Public SafetyVal Verde Road closed due to major fire in Donna
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A major roadway in Donna is closed until further notice as a team of first responders work to put out a fire that broke out on Monday night. According to authorities, FM 1423, also known as Val Verde Road, is closed until further notice as crews work to put out the
Public SafetyJudge signs disaster declaration after first screwworm case reported in Starr County
Editor's note: The video above is from previous ValleyCentral coverage. HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Starr County Judge Eloy Vera signed a disaster declaration on Monday following the county's first reported case of New World Screwworm. The case was found on the northwestern side of the county, north of Roma. Starr County Emergency Management spokesman Lenny Fuentes
Public SafetyTxDOT: Lane reductions on International Blvd. in Progreso
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Transportation is alerting drivers of lane reductions in Progreso this week due to irrigation crossing installation. From Monday through Friday, FM 1015 (International Blvd.) between US 281 (Military Hwy.) and the Progreso Port of Entry will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Lanes will be
Public SafetyTxDOT: Lane reductions on International Blvd. in Progreso
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Transportation is alerting drivers of lane reductions in Progreso this week due to irrigation crossing installation. From Monday through Friday, FM 1015 (International Blvd.) between US 281 (Military Hwy.) and the Progreso Port of Entry will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Lanes will be
Public SafetyMan who threatened ‘lights out’ for ICE agent takes responsibility, avoids prison
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man who threatened a federal agent with “lights out” avoided prison Monday. In June 2025, when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raided a taqueria in San Benito, bystanders recorded the confrontation — and posted the video on Facebook. Anastacio Castillo De Leon, who lived in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, asked
Public SafetyCBP Officers Intercept 22.4 Kilograms of Fentanyl at Presidio Port of Entry
On July 15, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized 22.4 kilograms of fentanyl at the Presidio Port of Entry in Texas. The fentanyl was hidden in the spare tire of a 2018 Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by a male U.S. citizen who had just crossed the border from Ojinaga, Mexico. Anomalies detected by nonintrusive inspection technology led to a secondary inspection, revealing the concealed drugs. The driver was arrested and charged with violations related to the importation and possession of controlled substances. This incident highlights the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking at the border.
Public SafetyConviction Handed Down in Human Smuggling and Extortion Plot
Cameron Jake Tucker, a 26-year-old from Bacliff, has been convicted of kidnapping, hostage-taking, and harboring an illegal alien. After a three-day trial, a federal jury reached a guilty verdict in just two hours. The case began on May 14, 2025, when an illegal alien escaped from a stash house in Houston, claiming he had been held captive and assaulted by Tucker. The victim managed to escape and led authorities to the stash house, where Tucker was later apprehended. He faces a potential life sentence and a $250,000 fine, with sentencing scheduled for October 15, 2026.
Public SafetyFM 1015 (Int’l Blvd.) to be reduced to one lane in each direction, July 20-24
From July 20 to July 24, FM 1015 (International Blvd.) will be reduced to one lane in each direction between US 281 (Military Hwy.) and the Progreso port of entry. This lane reduction is necessary for the installation of an irrigation crossing located just north of Rancho Toluca Road. Motorists are advised to remain vigilant and follow all traffic signs in the construction area to ensure safety for all road users.
Public SafetyDislodged federal buoys causing World Trade Bridge closures in Laredo, Texas
The World Trade Bridge in Laredo, Texas, the busiest inland commercial port on the Southwest border, was temporarily shut down this weekend as giant cylindrical federal buoys piled up under the bridge’s pylons. The state’s circular border buoy string in Eagle Pass, however, remained in position and has not floated downriver, the governor’s spokesman and onlookers told Border Report on Sunday.
Public SafetyHit-and-run rollover causes power outage in Edinburg
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Nearly 500 Edinburg homes and businesses are without power after a truck hit a utility pole. Edinburg police responded to a rollover hit-and-run accident at the 3300 block of North Sugar Road around 7 a.m. Police say a white Ford Maverick pickup was going southbound on Sugar Road when it struck a utility pole, causing the truck to roll over.
Public SafetyFerry Capsizes with 133 People Off the Coast of Guyana; Search Underway for Missing Passengers
A government ferry carrying 133 passengers and crew capsized off the coast of Guyana, prompting a large search and rescue operation for the missing. Authorities have rescued 67 individuals, including 41 men, 11 women, and 15 children, according to Prime Minister Mark Phillips. The MV Barima was traveling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma when it encountered difficulties shortly before midnight. A distress call was made at 11:01 PM, leading to the deployment of helicopters, planes, and fishing boats in a search area of 1,000 square miles. The ferry was equipped with life jackets and lifeboats, and officials dismissed claims of overloading as the cause of the incident.
Public SafetyOmar Guerrero, former district secretary, transferred to Hidalgo County jail
Omar Guerrero, the former district secretary of Hidalgo County, has been officially transferred to the Hidalgo County Jail after his arrest in Mexico. The 49-year-old was detained on June 23, 2023, and handed over to U.S. authorities. His formal transfer occurred on July 17, 2026. Guerrero, who served as district secretary from 2005 to 2006, faces several felony charges dating back to 2013, including sexual assault of a minor and drug-related offenses. He is currently in preventive detention, awaiting legal proceedings in the 398th District Court of Texas.
Public SafetyWho are the Tate brothers, accused of rape and human trafficking
Brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate were arrested in Miami after new charges of rape and human trafficking were filed against them by the UK Crown Prosecution Service. These charges involve four additional victims and include serious allegations such as sexual assault and child pornography. The total number of alleged victims in the UK now stands at seven. The Tates, who have dual US and UK citizenship, are known for their controversial online presence promoting misogyny and wealth. They are currently awaiting extradition to the UK, facing previous charges related to similar offenses in both the UK and Romania.
Public SafetyShe Thought She Was Helping Keanu Reeves and Ended Up Scammed Out of $1,300 for Fake Surgery, Police Say
A 77-year-old woman fell victim to an alleged scam last Thursday in San Juan after sending $1,300 in gift cards for a supposed surgery for actor Keanu Reeves, according to the Puerto Rico Police. The incident was reported at a senior citizens' condominium located on Doménech Avenue in Hato Rey. The victim claimed that someone posed as the doctor responsible for the supposed surgery and requested money via gift cards to cover the alleged medical treatment. Over time, she continued to receive requests to send more money. However, after sending the gift cards totaling $1,300, the complainant realized she was being scammed and went to authorities to file a report. The Property and Fraud Division of the Criminal Investigations Corps (CIC) in San Juan is investigating the incident.
Public SafetySuspect arrested at port of entry in connection with Combes shooting investigation
German Tanguma was arrested at the Hidalgo International Port of Entry on July 16 while attempting to enter the United States. His arrest is linked to a shooting incident that occurred in Combes on June 6. The Combes police had issued multiple arrest warrants for Tanguma, charging him with four counts of deadly conduct for discharging a firearm, four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Public SafetyMan confesses to eight burglaries in downtown Brownsville, police say
Oscar Leonardo Urbina, a 35-year-old man, was arrested on July 17 after confessing to eight burglaries in downtown Brownsville, according to the Brownsville Police Department. He faces seven charges of burglary of a building and one charge of burglary of a habitation. Police utilized extensive surveillance footage to identify Urbina as the suspect responsible for targeting local businesses. Following his arraignment, a bond of $450,000 was set for his release.