Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyLarissa Rodríguez Case: Beverage Distributors Deny Responsibility for Death
In the case of Larissa Rodríguez, her parents allege that she consumed energy drinks before suffering a fatal cardiac event. Distributors Glazer’s Beer and Beverage and Glazer’s Beer and Beverage of Texas filed a formal response to the lawsuit, claiming they provided adequate warnings regarding the product linked to her death. They deny the allegations and assert that the lawsuit lacks legal basis, stating they acted only as distributors, not manufacturers. The Rodríguez family seeks over $1 million in damages following Larissa's death at 17 in October 2025. The case is still pending in the 370th District Court of Hidalgo County.
Public SafetyDrug supplier facing life in prison in connection with string of fentanyl-related deaths in Cameron County
Eric Castillo is facing life imprisonment after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to a series of fentanyl overdoses that resulted in eight deaths in Cameron County. The state district judge indicated that Castillo could receive a life sentence. He was charged with distributing controlled substances, including THC, cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. His arrest is connected to an outbreak in October 2023, which saw 12 overdoses, primarily affecting victims from Harlingen. Castillo's sentencing is scheduled for June 22, 2026.
Public SafetySeveral hospitalized following five-vehicle crash in Edinburg
A five-vehicle accident in Edinburg resulted in several individuals being hospitalized. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Monday at the intersection of Closner Avenue and Monte Cristo Road, involving a white semi-truck, a truck tractor carrying watermelons, and three additional vehicles. While minor injuries were reported, multiple people were taken to the hospital. First responders remained on-site to manage the situation. Northbound Closner Avenue was temporarily closed but reopened just before 7 p.m.
Public SafetyBrownsville city commissioners approve nearly $500, 000 in safety upgrades for busy intersection
Brownsville city commissioners have approved nearly $500,000 for safety upgrades at the intersection of Coffee Road and Paredes Line Road. This initiative aims to enhance traffic signals in response to increased commuter flow in this busy area. The upgrades are part of the ongoing Coffee Road widening project, which started in March. City Engineer Carlos Lastra stated that the improvements will facilitate smoother and safer driving conditions. The replacement of traffic signals is set to begin in mid-July and is expected to take about 10 months, during which drivers may face detours and delays.
Public SafetyEnergy drink distributors deny allegations in Weslaco cheerleader death
Distributors of an energy drink linked to the death of 17-year-old Weslaco High School cheerleader Larissa Rodriguez are contesting allegations from her family. Rodriguez passed away in October 2025 due to an enlarged heart, which a coroner attributed to stress and high caffeine intake from Alani energy drinks. The family’s lawsuit claims the drinks were 'dangerously formulated and inadequately labeled.' The distributors, Glazer's Beer and Beverage, LLC, argue the lawsuit is baseless, stating they only sold the product and had no knowledge of any issues. They maintain the drink had appropriate warnings and assert that Rodriguez's death was caused by her own misuse of the product. A court date for the case has not been established.
Public SafetyCameron County woman pleads guilty after kidnapping daughter during custody dispute
A 31-year-old woman from Cameron County, Lillian Maria Crouch, has pleaded guilty to interference with child custody after kidnapping her daughter during a custody dispute. In July 2024, she abducted her 4-year-old daughter, Rilee Crouch, from South Padre Island and took her overseas. The pair was discovered in December 2024 in Panama while attempting to enter Turkey with false documents. U.S. Marshals apprehended them and returned them to the U.S., where Rilee was reunited with her father. Lillian is scheduled for sentencing on June 29, 2026, and is currently out on bond.
Public SafetySPI mother who took child overseas during custody dispute pleads guilty
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A South Padre Island mother who took her child on a months-long international trip during a custody battle pleaded guilty to her charge on Monday. Lillian Maria Crouch is charged with interference with child custody, a state jail felony. She was charged in July 2024 when the child was first reported
Public SafetySeveral hospitalized after multi-vehicle crash in Edinburg
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Several people were taken to a hospital after a multi-vehicle crash in Edinburg on Monday afternoon. The crash happened at about 4 p.m. at the Monte Cristo and Closner intersection. A white semi traveling southbound on Closner entered the intersection and crashed into a Toyota Camry, a Ford Bronco, a Nissan
Public SafetyEdinburg police warn residents about phone spoofing scam calls
The Edinburg Police Department has issued a warning to residents regarding a phone spoofing scam. Scammers are using technology to disguise their calls as coming from the police department, soliciting personal or financial information. The police emphasize that they will never request such information over the phone. Residents receiving suspicious calls are encouraged to report them by contacting the Edinburg Police Department at 956-289-7700.
Public SafetyTexas Military Department Joins Forces with Civilian Agencies for SAREX 2026
The Texas Military Department participated in the 2026 Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) held in San Antonio from May 18 to 21. This year marked 12 years of collaboration among various agencies to enhance disaster response readiness. The exercise involved 22 aircraft from 13 agencies, including the Air Force and National Guard units, and featured over 335 participants. Key activities included 275 hoists and 339 personnel movements, simulating real-life disaster scenarios. Officials emphasized the importance of this training for effective coordination during emergencies, aiming to ensure that all aviation resources in Texas are prepared for future disasters.
Public SafetyNevada truck driver charged with 20 counts of human smuggling after South Texas traffic stop
Editor's note: The video above, provided by DPS, is from the May 26 traffic stop. HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — More than a dozen people believed to be in the country illegally were found inside a truck tractor during a traffic stop near Laredo last week, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. DPS identified
Public SafetyEnergy drink distributor denies 'each and every allegation' in Weslaco cheerleader's wrongful death lawsuit
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In its first response since being accused of contributing to the death of a Weslaco cheerleader who, according to attorneys, died from an enlarged heart due to excessive caffeine consumption, an energy drink distributor is denying "each and every allegation" levied against it. Attorneys for Glazer's Beer and Beverage of Texas
Public SafetyMultiple Vehicle Accident at Monte Cristo and Closner Leaves Several Injured in Edinburg
A multi-vehicle accident involving a tractor-trailer caused partial road closures Monday afternoon at the intersection of Monte Cristo and Closner in Edinburg. According to authorities, around 4 p.m., a white tractor-trailer traveling south on Closner entered the intersection and collided with a Toyota Camry, a Ford Bronco, a Nissan, and another tractor-trailer carrying watermelons. Emergency services responded to the scene and reported minor injuries. Several individuals were transported to local hospitals for medical attention. As a result of the accident, northbound lanes on Closner remain closed, and traffic is being diverted through the Cattle Baron area. Only one lane is open for southbound traffic. Authorities noted that Monte Cristo remains open to traffic in both directions while work continues in the area. Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes and expect delays in the vicinity.
Public SafetyDPS Arrests Man for Possession of Hundreds of AI-Generated Images of South Texas Children
Adan Covarrubias, a 31-year-old man from Carrizo Springs, was arrested by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for felony possession of computer-generated child pornography. This arrest follows an investigation involving the FBI and the Dimmitt County Sheriff’s Office, which uncovered over 900 AI-generated pornographic images of children, some of which were manipulated from publicly available school photos. Covarrubias faces charges under Senate Bill 20, aimed at combating child exploitation through technology. Approximately 30 child victims have been identified in this case, highlighting the ongoing efforts to protect children from online threats.
Public SafetyCBP Officers Seize more than $1.1M in Cocaine at the Progreso Port of Entry
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized over $1.1 million in cocaine at the Progreso Port of Entry during Memorial Day weekend. The incident occurred on May 23 when a 22-year-old U.S. citizen driving a 2026 GMC Sierra was referred for a secondary inspection. Using a nonintrusive inspection system, CBP officers found 33 packages containing a total of 88 pounds of cocaine hidden in the vehicle. The estimated street value of the drugs is $1,175,085.
Public SafetyICE Agent Wanted for Shooting in Minnesota Arrested in Cameron County
The federal immigration agent has been identified as 52-year-old Christian Castro, an employee of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to authorities, Castro faces four charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and one charge of falsely reporting a crime, and he remains in custody without bail. The arrest occurred after investigators located the suspect in Texas. The Texas Rangers assisted in the arrest made in Cameron County. The charges are related to an incident that took place on January 14 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where prosecutors allege that Castro shot through the front door of a residence, injuring a Venezuelan man identified as Julio César Sosa-Celis.
Public SafetyWith ventilation and transport rail: drug tunnel found between the US-Mexico border
SAN DIEGO – Mexican authorities discovered a tunnel equipped with lighting, ventilation, and even a transport rail, between the borders of Tijuana and San Diego. The tunnel was found on Saturday during a search warrant at a residence in the Nueva Tijuana neighborhood, according to the Attorney General's Office. The tunnel is approximately 265 meters (about 869 feet) long and 6.30 meters (21 feet) deep, according to officials. The Attorney General's Office indicated that it believes the property likely served as a storage and trafficking center for weapons, explosives, and illegal substances.
Public Safety"That's not my dad": Funeral home allegedly cremated a man by mistake, according to family complaint
A Hispanic family in Washington Heights, Manhattan, is devastated after a funeral home mistakenly cremated their father, José Luis Díaz Felipe. The error was discovered when family members opened the casket during the funeral and found a different body. Jacinta Díaz, his daughter, expressed her anguish, stating that they were repeatedly shown the wrong body. The Ortiz Funeral Home, which has a history of similar incidents, previously faced a lawsuit in 2022 after nearly 50 complaints, resulting in a $600,000 settlement. The family is considering legal action but also empathizes with the other affected family. They demand DNA evidence before accepting any actions from the funeral home.
Public SafetyHonda recalls nearly 100,000 vehicles due to airbag issues
Honda is recalling nearly 100,000 vehicles due to airbag issues, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall affects models including the Honda Civic, Accord, CR-V, and Acura MDX and RDX. A defect in the front passenger seat weight sensor may cause airbags to deploy unexpectedly, posing a risk of injury, especially to small occupants. Honda has received 228 warranty claims related to this issue but reports no injuries or fatalities in the U.S. Owners will be notified by mail starting July 6 and should take their vehicles to authorized dealers for repairs.