Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyHarlingen police searching for missing 12-year-old girl
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Harlingen Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a missing 12-year-old girl who was last seen on the Fourth of July. Police say Shelyn Kendra Flowers, 12, was last seen in Harlingen wearing Hello Kitty shorts and a black shirt. Flowers is about 5 feet, 2 inches
Public SafetyDentist Faces Charges After Death of 4-Year-Old Hispanic Girl Following Dental Treatment
A dentist from Fort Worth, Texas, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with serious bodily injury to a minor who died in the hospital on April 1, 2026, after receiving dental treatment. She was released after posting bail. According to the arrest warrant affidavit, the Tarrant County Medical Examiner determined that the girl, identified as Aithana Rodriguez Arriaga, 4, died from meperidine (Demerol) intoxication, reporting a concentration of 793 nanograms per milliliter in her system. The document states that the medical examiner ruled the death accidental. Investigators reported that Hemphill administered meperidine, along with other sedative medications, prior to the procedure. The document also notes that medical experts consulted during the investigation concluded there were failures in monitoring the girl and in the emergency response after she stopped responding to stimuli. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this medication is used to treat acute to moderate pain, as it is essentially a narcotic (opioid analgesic) and can cause severe respiratory problems and life-threatening risks if abused. Telemundo 39 attempted to reach out to Dr. Hemphill's attorney for comments but has not received a response. Incident Chronicle: The Fort Worth Police Department reported that on April 1, 2026, firefighters responded to a medical emergency at a dental office (Cuddle Kids Dental Care) located in the 5300 block of Sycamore School Road. Upon arrival, they found a four-year-old girl unresponsive to stimuli. The mother had taken the girl to the office that same morning for a dental procedure. After the procedure, the girl showed no signs of response to the present staff. The Fort Worth Fire Department transported the girl to a local hospital, where her death was confirmed. The Child Abuse Crimes Unit (CACU) initiated an investigation into the case and determined that a crime had been committed, and the doctor who performed the procedure on the victim would face charges. On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, an arrest warrant was issued for the suspect, Dr. Chrishelle Hemphill, 48. She was arrested on the charge of injury to a minor resulting in serious bodily injury.
Public SafetyInvestigation Underway Following Shooting in H-E-B Parking Lot in San Juan
The San Juan Police Department, in collaboration with the McAllen Police Department, is actively investigating a shooting that occurred Thursday around 11 a.m. in the parking lot of the H-E-B supermarket in San Juan. According to the official report provided by authorities, the violent incident took place inside a parked vehicle at the commercial establishment, prompting a swift mobilization of emergency services and multiple patrols in the area. Police spokespersons emphasized that this is an entirely isolated incident and assured the community that the situation is under control, with no active threat to public safety at this time. Local authorities publicly expressed their gratitude to the McAllen Police for their support and assistance at the scene, noting that as the case remains under active investigation, no further details will be released immediately, although they committed to providing timely updates as inquiries progress.
Public SafetyAlamo Loan Office Employee Arrested for Faking Robbery
The Alamo Police Department arrested Israel Aguirre III, an employee at the Security Finance Office on Main Street, after discovering that he staged an armed robbery to steal money from the establishment. The incident occurred on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, when the suspect himself reported an emergency, claiming that an unknown man had threatened him with a knife. However, after a quick investigation, detectives determined that the robbery was fabricated by Aguirre III to cover up that he had taken the cash himself. Aguirre III appeared today at 2:00 p.m. before a magistrate judge for his arraignment. He faces charges of theft and filing a false report to induce an emergency response, while a third formal charge is pending from authorities.
Public SafetyLa Grulla homicide investigation underway
The Texas Rangers are currently investigating a homicide case in La Grulla. The inquiry started on Tuesday when authorities discovered a man unresponsive on Migrant Street, who was subsequently declared dead. A spokesperson from the Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that further details about the incident are not available at this moment.
Public SafetyValley Border Patrol agent faces new child sex assault charge in separate case
Derek James Dominguez, a Border Patrol agent from Mercedes, faces new charges of child sexual assault. According to Hidalgo County jail records, he was booked on July 2 after a victim reported incidents occurring in March and April 2016. The victim, who has known Dominguez since childhood, expressed feelings of guilt for not reporting sooner, partly due to his previous legal troubles. Dominguez was previously arrested in August 2025 for indecency with a child related to a separate case. He was released on July 3 after posting a $10,000 bond. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not commented on the matter.
Public SafetyInvestigation underway after body found in Donna
An investigation is currently in progress following the discovery of a body in Donna, Texas. Police Chief Gilbert Guerrero reported that the body was found on Wednesday in the 2400 block of Bonita Street after officers responded to a welfare check. The identity of the victim has not yet been confirmed. Authorities are treating this as an ongoing investigation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Public SafetyICE use of unmarked cars and shooting into vehicles during Houston killing could violate policy, policing experts say
Experts are questioning the tactics used by ICE agents during the fatal pursuit of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston on July 7. Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old construction worker, was shot by agents who were in unmarked vehicles without emergency lights. Witnesses and video footage suggest that the aggressive driving tactics employed by ICE may violate established protocols. The Department of Homeland Security claims the shooting was in self-defense, alleging Salgado Araujo attempted to run over an agent. The incident has sparked protests and calls for an independent investigation, as concerns grow over the use of deadly force by federal agents during traffic stops.
Public SafetyAlton fire crews respond to call of illegal burning
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Hidalgo County Commissioner Everardo 'Ever' Villarreal is alerting residents about the consequences of illegal burning after fire crews responded to an illegal burn call on Wednesday. Crews with the Alton Fire Department responded to the fire near the 6-Mile Line and Iowa Road. "I want to remind everyone that illegal burning
Public SafetyHomicide investigation underway in La Grulla
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A homicide investigation is underway in La Grulla. A man was found unresponsive in La Grulla on Tuesday and was later pronounced dead, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Texas Rangers and Starr County officials are leading the homicide investigation. No other details are being released at this time,
Public SafetyFormer Captain Pleads Guilty to Drugging and Assaulting a Merchant Marine Cadet
NEW YORK — A former cargo ship captain pleaded guilty on Wednesday to drugging and raping a 21-year-old cadet from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, who was working on the vessel as part of the academy's 'Sea Year' training program. John Merrone, 53, entered his plea just as his trial was set to begin in federal court in Brooklyn. He admitted to having sexual intercourse with the cadet without her consent 'on the ship, in the middle of the ocean' after rendering her unconscious with an intoxicating substance in 2019. The jury had already been selected, and the woman, identified only as Jane Doe, was present in court waiting to testify. Prosecutors also planned to call other women as witnesses who have accused Merrone of sexual assaults over the past three decades. Generally, The Associated Press does not disclose the names of individuals who allege they have been sexually assaulted unless they agree to be identified. Merrone had previously been convicted of false imprisonment and battery after a waitress in the Florida Keys accused him of having sex with her against her will; however, an appeals court overturned the verdict, and prosecutors did not retry the case.
Public SafetyEdinburg Man Sent to Prison for 25 Years for Cyber Exploitation and Coercion of a Minor
A 20-year-old Edinburg man has been sentenced for distributing child pornography and coercion and enticement of a minor.
Public SafetyBody of man found in Donna, investigation underway
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Police are investigating after the body of a man was found in Donna on Wednesday. The body of a 34-year-old man was found off the 2400 block of Bonita St., according to Donna police Chief Gilbert Guerrero. Donna police say they received a call from the man's parents requesting a welfare
Public SafetyCBP Intercepts Live Parrots at Texas Border
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge in Laredo recently intercepted two live parrots hidden in a container during a wildlife smuggling attempt. The incident occurred on July 8 when a 26-year-old U.S. citizen attempted to enter the country on foot. Following a secondary inspection, the parrots were discovered in her belongings. CBP Agriculture Specialists identified the birds and contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A criminal investigation was initiated, and the woman was arrested. The parrots were handed over to USDA-VS for care.
Public SafetyFBI Found White Substance in Vehicle of Mexican Man Killed During ICE Operation
HOUSTON – The investigation into the death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo during an ICE operation in Houston continues to gather new elements. A search warrant presented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reveals that agents found several bags containing a crystalline white substance inside the deceased man's work truck. According to the affidavit, investigators believed the appearance and packaging of the substance were consistent with methamphetamine. The court document was filed on July 14 and is part of the investigation related to the shooting that occurred on July 7 in the Magnolia Park neighborhood of Houston. The FBI sought evidence related to possible drug offenses. According to the affidavit included in the search warrant, investigators requested authorization to search the truck for evidence linked to potential federal offenses related to possession and alleged distribution of controlled substances. The document states that four people were in the vehicle, including Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who was driving the truck at the time of the operation. According to the FBI's account, ICE agents attempted to stop the vehicle around 6:45 a.m. The statement claims that the driver did not stop and crossed a median in an apparent attempt to escape. Investigators assert that, following protocols, agents did not initiate a pursuit. They later located the truck again in the 6800 block of Canal Street, where they attempted a second stop. During that operation, an ICE agent shot Salgado Araujo, who died at the scene. The search warrant indicates that FBI agents visually inspected the vehicle from the outside before entering and observed several plastic bags containing a crystalline white substance. According to the document, three of those bags were on the center console, between the driver's and passenger's seats, while another similar bag was seen on the floor on the passenger's side. Subsequently, the FBI Evidence Response Team photographed the interior of the vehicle before authorities conducted a physical inspection. The search warrant states that investigators believed the appearance of the substance and the way it was packaged were consistent with methamphetamine, a drug classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. The document does not indicate whether there is a laboratory analysis confirming that the substance found is methamphetamine. The search warrant does not determine that a crime was committed. The FBI explained that it requested the court order to ensure that the vehicle search complied with all constitutional and legal requirements, although investigators believed there was already probable cause to inspect it. The document also does not establish that a crime was committed nor does it make conclusions about the criminal responsibility of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. The investigation into the shooting continues. Meanwhile, the investigation into the use of force during the operation remains open. The Department of Homeland Security maintains that the agent acted in self-defense after Salgado Araujo allegedly used the truck to try to run over an agent. This account has been rejected by the three passengers traveling with him. Through their attorney, they claim that ICE vehicles struck the truck first and that no agent was in front of the vehicle or at risk of being hit. They also assert that an agent approached from the passenger side, shouted 'Stop!' and then opened fire, fatally wounding Salgado Araujo. The Harris County District Attorney's Office, in cooperation with the City of Houston, is conducting an independent investigation to determine how the events unfolded. So far, federal authorities have not released videos of the incident. Additionally, it has been reported that the agents involved were not wearing body cameras and that the vehicles used during the operation also did not have dashboard cameras.
Public SafetyInvestigation Underway After Body Found in Donna
The Donna Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a deceased individual on Tuesday. The body was located near Salinas Boulevard. Following the report, law enforcement quickly arrived at the scene to secure the area and begin collecting initial evidence. So far, authorities have kept the victim's identity confidential, and no information regarding their name, age, or gender has been released. Additionally, the cause of death remains undetermined pending the results of the autopsy.
Public SafetyBorder Patrol Agents Catch Individual Using Fraudulent Documents in Laredo
U.S. Border Patrol agents at the Laredo North immigration checkpoint on Interstate 35 apprehended an individual using fraudulent identification documents during a Greyhound bus inspection on July 7. This incident highlights the agency's commitment to border security, as agents utilized advanced technology to identify inconsistencies in the documents. The individual, who was illegally present in the U.S. after crossing from Mexico, was taken into custody along with the fraudulent documents and a cell phone for further investigation. Federal charges are anticipated as the rise in identity fraud and document forgery continues to challenge border security efforts.
Public SafetyTxDOT: Lane closures at Edinburg intersection due to wire installation
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Transportation is alerting drivers of lane closures happening Thursday in Edinburg. The closures will be in effect at the intersection of State Highway 107 and Richardson Road throughout the day. Lanes will be closed to allow crews to install overhead wire at the intersection and may cause traffic to
Public SafetyDo You Drive a Subaru? Thousands of SUVs Recalled for Incorrect Weight Rating Label
Subaru of America is recalling over 541,000 SUVs, including the Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent, due to an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) label. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that this mislabeling could lead to vehicles being overloaded, increasing the risk of accidents. Although Subaru has not reported any related accidents or injuries in the U.S., they will send corrective labels to affected owners by mail or offer to install them at dealerships for free. Notifications are expected to begin in late August, and owners can check if their vehicle is affected on the NHTSA website.