Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyJudge set bail at $1M for men connected to H-E-B shooting death
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two men accused of being involved in a deadly shooting at an H-E-B parking lot that occurred on Thursday in San Juan appeared before a judge Friday morning. After a bond hearing on Friday morning, a judge set bail at $1,000,000 cash surety for the two men, respectively. Michael Anthony Lopez,
Public SafetyCBP Officers Seize Over $294,000 in Cocaine at Brownsville-Matamoros Bridge
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville-Matamoros International Bridge seized cocaine valued at approximately $294,948 on July 7. The drugs were found in a 2016 Nissan driven by a 20-year-old female U.S. citizen from Brownsville, Texas, during a secondary inspection. Utilizing a canine unit and a nonintrusive inspection system, officers discovered nine packages containing about 22.09 pounds of cocaine hidden in the vehicle. The narcotics and the vehicle were confiscated, and Homeland Security Investigations has launched a criminal investigation into the incident.
Public SafetyMultiple Fires Reported in Starr County
The Starr County Sheriff's Office posted on social media that several fire departments are currently responding to multiple structural fires on San Eulogio Street in the El Chaparral subdivision. Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area at this time. This is a developing story, and we will provide more information as it becomes available.
Public SafetyICE Agent Involved in Maine Shooting Had History of Violence, Family and Records Say
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who shot a Colombian man in Maine this week is a military veteran who has struggled with severe mental health issues since childhood and should never have been given a badge and a gun to patrol U.S. streets, according to several family members who spoke to The Associated Press. David Brouillette has a history of frightening and violent behavior, they claim. He has been accused of assaulting women in his life over the years; one shared a voice message from last winter in which he told her someone should cut her throat. Brouillette's troubling past raises further questions about the rigor with which the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has vetted new recruits during its recent mass hiring campaign aimed at implementing the hardline immigration measures pushed by President Donald Trump. At least 10 people have died in incidents involving immigration agents since Trump launched this offensive after taking office; among them is Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a 25-year-old Colombian citizen who was shot by Brouillette on Monday while in his vehicle near his home in the coastal city of Biddeford, Maine. The DHS, which has not revealed the name of the agent who killed Durán Guerrero, stated that 'the vehicle attempted to flee the scene and, out of concern for public safety, an agent discharged his weapon.' Brouillette did not respond to text messages or emails requesting comment. Three family members who said they spoke with him after the shooting—including an ex-wife and a daughter—indicated he claimed to have acted in self-defense. When asked about Brouillette's background and his involvement in Monday's shooting, ICE spokesperson Lauren Bis stated, 'We will never confirm or deny attempts to disclose personal information about our law enforcement agents,' adding that 'the ICE agent in question has nearly a decade of experience in federal law enforcement and has received mandatory training, including training on the use of force.' The White House referred all questions regarding the shooting and Brouillette to ICE.
Public SafetyUPDATE: Missing 12-year-old Harlingen girl found
The Harlingen Police Department has confirmed that 12-year-old Shelyn Kendra Flowers was found safe on Thursday, July 16, at 3:32 p.m. Shelyn had been reported missing since July 4, when she was last seen in Harlingen wearing Hello Kitty shorts and a black shirt. Described as having brown hair and eyes, she weighs approximately 112 pounds and stands 5 feet, 2 inches tall. Authorities had requested the public's assistance in locating her, urging anyone with information to contact the police department at 956-216-5516.
Public SafetySuspects in custody following deadly shooting at San Juan H-E-B parking lot, police say
Two suspects are in custody on murder charges after a shooting at an H-E-B Plus parking lot in San Juan on Thursday. Police Chief Leandro Sifuentes reported that the suspects, whose identities have not been disclosed, will face arraignment on Friday morning. The incident occurred around 11 a.m., and the injured victim was taken to the hospital in a private vehicle. Sifuentes assured the public that this is an isolated case and there is no ongoing threat. Authorities were seen at the South Texas Health System in McAllen, which is connected to the investigation.
Public SafetyTwo men facing murder charges in San Juan H-E-B parking lot shooting: Police
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Two men are in custody in connection to a parking lot shooting that occurred Thursday morning at a H-E-B parking lot in San Juan. San Juan police Chief Leandro Sifuentes said the two suspects are facing murder charges. The two suspects, who have not been identified, are scheduled to appear in
Public SafetyWeslaco Fire Department gets $5, 000 grant to put iPads in fire trucks
The Weslaco Fire Department is set to enhance its operations with the addition of iPads in all fire trucks, thanks to a $5,000 grant. These devices will allow firefighters to access building layouts and information about stored materials before entering a structure during emergencies. Fire Chief Antonio Lopez emphasized the importance of strategic planning, stating that preparations can be made well in advance of any incidents. This initiative aims to improve safety and training for firefighters, ensuring they are better equipped for potential emergencies.
Public SafetyCameron County jails back in compliance with the state
Cameron County jails have regained compliance with state standards after being previously cited for overcrowding. The announcement came following a recent inspection by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. In April, the jails were over capacity by 47 inmates, prompting the sheriff's office to collaborate with local judges and the district attorney to expedite court processes. To manage the inmate population, the jails stopped accepting nonviolent offenders. Sheriff Manuel Treviño praised the efforts of his staff, stating that their dedication played a crucial role in resolving the overcrowding issue.
Public SafetyHidalgo County property owner cited for illegal burning near Alton
Hidalgo County officials have cited a property owner for conducting an illegal burning operation near Alton. The site, located at 6 Mile Line and Iowa Road, was reported by neighbors who noticed smoke. Constables from Precinct 3 responded and found that the owner was charging people to dump trash for burning without a permit. Hidalgo County Constable Larry Gallardo stated that they are investigating the duration of this operation and advising the owner against it. The Alton Fire Department intervened to prevent the fire from spreading. Authorities remind the public that illegal dumping can lead to citations and penalties.
Public SafetyHarlingen preparing hazard mitigation plan with $100, 000 state grant
Harlingen city officials are developing a hazard mitigation plan to secure federal funding for future drainage improvements. They have one year to complete and adopt the plan after receiving a $100,000 grant from the Texas General Land Office. The plan aims to identify drainage priorities and enhance the city's resilience against hazards. It must be approved by the Texas Division of Emergency Management and FEMA. Public participation will be encouraged through meetings and surveys as the city emphasizes the importance of adopting the plan within the next 12 months to pursue additional funding for drainage projects.
Public SafetyCameron County cleaning out box culverts
Cameron County Drainage District No. 5 is currently cleaning box culverts located under the expressway in Harlingen to ensure proper stormwater flow before upcoming storms. The Stuart Place Main Channel, which channels stormwater from Harlingen, Primera, and Palm Valley, was found to have two to three feet of sediment in the culverts when work began two weeks ago, according to General Manager Rolando Vela. The culverts extend over 400 feet beneath the expressway, and crews are anticipated to continue their work for an additional two weeks.
Public SafetyDonna man accused of hacking dead person social media accounts to harass family members
A man from Donna, Jose Luis Lara Jr., has been arrested for allegedly hacking into the social media accounts of a deceased individual to harass their family over six years. He faces multiple charges, including computer security breach and online impersonation. The investigation started after family members reported receiving disturbing messages that seemed to come from the deceased's accounts, containing explicit content and false allegations. This caused significant emotional distress to the victims. Lara was booked on Wednesday and released on a $32,500 bond the following day, according to Hidalgo County jail records.
Public SafetyFBI suggests migrant van in fatal Houston shooting had meth. A lawyer says it was salt.
The FBI has sought a search warrant to seize plastic bags containing a "crystal-like substance" from the van of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who was shot and killed by an immigration officer in Houston. While the FBI suspects methamphetamine, Araujo's lawyer claims the substance is actually granulated salt, used as a homemade electrolyte mix. Araujo, who lived in Houston for nearly 35 years and was in the process of obtaining legal status, was not the intended target of the ICE operation. Investigations are ongoing, and the FBI is expected to release test results soon.
Public SafetySoldier who smuggled migrants through South Texas sentenced to 1 year in prison
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Alabama National Guard sent Spc. Derrick Sankey to South Texas with a simple mission: Secure the border. When he arrived in McAllen, however, Sankey decided to work for smugglers instead. Sankey provided smugglers with codes that allowed them to pass through gates in the border wall. He told them about
Public SafetyCameron County detention officer accused of assaulting inmate
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Cameron County detention officer has been accused of assaulting an inmate at the Cameron County jail. Angel De La Garza was arrested on Thursday and faces charges of assault causing bodily injury and official oppression, according to a news release from the Cameron County Sheriff's Office. Both charges are classified
Public SafetyCameron County jail back in compliance: Sheriff
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Months after the Texas Commission on Jail Standards found that the Cameron County jail was out of compliance due to overcrowding, the Cameron County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday that it's back in compliance. The sheriff's office said its detention facilities were reinspected last week. Following inspections in April, the state found
Public SafetySan Juan police investigating shooting at H-E-B parking lot
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — San Juan police are investigating a shooting that occurred inside a car at the H-E-B parking lot Thursday morning. Police say the shooting happened at about 11 a.m. and that the occupant of the vehicle drove to a McAllen hospital for treatment. Police said the shooting was an isolated incident and
Public SafetyHarlingen police seeking missing 12-year-old girl
The Harlingen Police Department is asking for assistance in locating 12-year-old Shelyn Kendra Flowers, who was last seen on July 4. Shelyn was spotted in Harlingen wearing Hello Kitty shorts and a black shirt. She has brown hair, brown eyes, weighs approximately 112 pounds, and stands 5 feet 2 inches tall. Authorities believe she may still be in the area. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Harlingen Police Department at 956-216-5516.