Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyVehicle theft suspect at large following police chase in Hidalgo County
A police chase in Hidalgo County began Sunday morning when officers responded to a report of a stolen Chevy Colorado in Pharr. The pursuit, which started around 7:30 a.m., continued to Mercedes, where the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Despite a search of the area by law enforcement, the suspect remains at large. The Texas Department of Public Safety assisted in the chase, and the stolen truck has been recovered without any reported injuries. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
Public SafetyRoad work prompting night closures on Interstate 2 in Mercedes
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The Texas Department of Transportation is alerting drivers of overnight lane closures happening this week in Mercedes. The overnight closures will be in effect on westbound lanes of Interstate 2 between Mile 1 Road and International Boulevard. The affected roadway will be closed for pavement repairs from 9 p.m. to 6
Public SafetyMayor Shot Dead in the Mexican State of Oaxaca; He Was a Community Leader
The mayor of San Miguel Yogovana in the Mexican state of Oaxaca was shot dead early Sunday while conducting surveillance outside a residence, according to a statement from the state Attorney General's Office on Monday. Authorities reported that the mayor, identified as Eduardo Saavedra López, 65, was attacked with firearms by a group of individuals who have already been identified and are being sought by Oaxaca's security forces. Local media indicated that the deceased was a prominent community leader in San Miguel Yogovana, located in the municipality of Miahuatlán de Porfirio Díaz in the Sierra Sur region of Oaxaca. The identities of the assailants have not yet been made public. 'The victim was conducting surveillance when he noticed two motorcycles parked outside a residence. Upon requesting police support to verify the status of the vehicles, the alleged owners emerged from the house in an aggressive manner and attacked the victim with firearms, resulting in his death at the scene,' explained the Attorney General's Office of Oaxaca. Forensic experts were able to identify the property and confirm that the motorcycles in question belong to the suspects in the fatal attack, who are currently wanted.
Public SafetyOil leak leads to car fire on expressway near Donna
An oil leak caused a car fire on Expressway 83 near Donna on Saturday, July 11. The Donna Police Department responded to the incident in the 600 block of East Expressway 83, where they found a 2010 gray Chevrolet Traverse in flames. The driver, Raul Cepeda Jr., was en route to deliver the vehicle to its owner in Mercedes when he noticed oil leaking heavily. He safely pulled over and exited the car as flames erupted from the engine. Firefighters quickly arrived and extinguished the fire, with no injuries reported.
Public SafetyHidalgo County Sheriff Office investigate shooting in rural Edinburg that injured a woman
The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is looking into a shooting that took place early Sunday morning in rural Edinburg. The incident occurred around 12:50 a.m. in the 5100 block of South Raul Longoria Road, following multiple 911 calls. Deputies arrived on the scene to find a woman who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. She was subsequently transported to a local hospital for care. The investigation remains active, and authorities are encouraging anyone with information to reach out to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office at 956-383-8114 or Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers at 956-668-8477.
Public SafetyBrownsville police arrest suspect following Chase Bank robbery
The Brownsville Police Department is investigating a robbery that occurred at a Chase Bank on Boca Chica Boulevard around 9:35 a.m. on Monday. Officers arrested 45-year-old Eliud Escobedo, who allegedly stole $5,000 in cash. The stolen money was recovered during his arrest, and Escobedo is awaiting arraignment on a felony charge. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the investigation remains active.
Public SafetyICE Harlingen sets record with 238 arrests including alleged gang member
On June 18, 2026, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Harlingen made a record 238 arrests in the Rio Grande Valley for illegal immigration. Among those apprehended were individuals with serious criminal records, including attempted kidnapping, sexual battery, and drug offenses. Notably, Manuel Morales-Geronimo, an alleged member of the Paisas gang, was arrested for multiple charges, including assault and illegal reentry. Other detainees included Jose Alfredo Castillo-Mendoza, Fernando Leonel Perez-Torres, and Noe Tinoco Perez, all with various convictions. The operation involved collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Public SafetyRauw Alejandro's Dancer Goes Missing in Miami: Here's What We Know
A Miami dancer who has performed with artists like Rauw Alejandro and Rosalía has been reported missing, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office. Michael-Anthony Leones Espino, known as 'Mykee' among friends and on social media, was last seen on Sunday around 12:30 p.m. leaving the 14200 block of Southwest 161st Court in Miami. Leones Espino, who goes by @mykeemooves on TikTok and Instagram, has nearly 80,000 followers on both platforms. Videos show him backstage and preparing for Rauw Alejandro's Cosa Nuestra tour, which concluded in November 2025. In other videos, he is seen on stage with the artist during his Saturn tour and appears alongside him in a music video for the song Touching The Sky. Puerto Rican artist Rauw Alejandro shared a photo of Leones Espino's missing person flyer on his Instagram stories. The sheriff's office has urged the community to 'exercise caution when coming into contact with the missing person.' No details have been provided regarding the circumstances of his disappearance. Anyone with information should contact the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office at 305-715-3300 or 305-715-3214. They can also call CrimeStoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).
Public SafetyWoman injured in rural Edinburg shooting, investigation underway: Sheriff
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is investigating an early Sunday morning shooting in rural Edinburg. According to a news release from HCSO, at approximately 12:10 a.m. Sunday, deputies responded to shots fired in the 5100 block of South Raul Longoria Road after receiving multiple 911 calls. Responding deputies found a woman who
Public SafetyChase bank robbery in Brownsville under investigation, suspect in custody
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department is investigating a bank robbery that was reported Monday morning. According to a news release from Brownsville police, a call regarding a bank robbery came in at approximately 9:45 a.m. at Chase Bank, located at the 2300 block of Boca Chica Boulevard. Responding officers found a person
Public SafetyThe Veronica O’Caña Trial: What to Know
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A real estate broker from Mission is scheduled for trial Monday afternoon on bribery, money laundering and witness tampering charges. Here’s what we know about Veronica Inez O’Caña, 50, of Mission and the case against her: Who is Veronica O’Caña? Veronica O’Caña is a real estate broker from a well-known family.
Public SafetyBREAKING: Investigation Underway for Bank Robbery in Brownsville
Authorities in Brownsville are investigating a robbery at the Chase bank located on Boca Chica Boulevard. Preliminary information indicates that the incident occurred at 9:35 AM. So far, one man has been detained, and there is no information about any injuries during the robbery. The scene remains active at this time, and a team from Noticias Telemundo 40 is on-site. We will provide more details as they become available in our news segments. This is a developing story.
Public SafetyBREAKING: Investigation Underway for Bank Robbery in Brownsville
Authorities in Brownsville are investigating a robbery at the Chase bank located on Boca Chica Boulevard. Preliminary information indicates that the incident occurred at 9:35 AM. So far, one man has been detained, and there is no information about any injuries during the robbery. The scene remains active at this time, and a team from Noticias Telemundo 40 is on-site. We will provide more details as they become available in our news segments. This is a developing story.
Public SafetyFatal Shooting Occurs During ICE 'Selective Surveillance' Operation in Maine
Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that took place in Biddeford, Maine, during an operation related to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Monday. Police informed News Center Maine that Hill and Pool streets in Biddeford were closed due to 'an active crime scene.' Nearby resident Em Akerley told Telemundo New England that while having her coffee, she heard what sounded like a gunshot, initially thinking it was the noise of a vehicle. Akerley saw a small white car closely followed by two men who appeared to be trying to stop it as the vehicle seemed to lose control at the intersection. According to the Maine Attorney General's Office, a federal immigration officer was conducting an operation related to a final deportation order. Authorities state that the man attempted to flee in the vehicle toward the officer, who shot him fatally. The Attorney General's Office continues to investigate the incident, and the officer will be placed on administrative leave as part of the protocol for such incidents. The FBI's Boston office, which has jurisdiction over Maine, issued a brief statement to NBC10 Boston confirming its involvement in the shooting investigation. Senator Angus King, an independent from Maine, initially stated that the person who was shot was the target of an ICE operation, but later clarified that the victim, who has not yet been publicly identified, was not the intended target. The ICE agency issued a statement confirming that the shooting occurred during a selective surveillance operation involving an undocumented immigrant with a final deportation order. The victim has been identified by immigrant rights organizations as a 26-year-old Colombian man with work authorization in the U.S. Governor Janet Mills expressed her concern over the incident, and Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain called for a thorough investigation. Democratic Representative Chellie Pingree also sought answers about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Public SafetyLane reductions, scheduled road closures in Pharr Interchange
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Motorists traveling westbound on I-2 at the Pharr Interchange are advised to seek alternative routes due to a scheduled road closure. According to a news release, the closures will begin Sunday, July 12, as work crews will begin to work on the Jackson Road bridge area. The following schedule details the dates and areas
Public SafetyMcAllen police hold radio moment of silence in honor of two fallen officers killed six years ago
Six years have passed since McAllen police officers Edelmiro Garza Jr. and Ismael Chavez Jr. were tragically killed while responding to a domestic disturbance. The officers were ambushed as they approached a home in south McAllen, where the suspect opened fire before taking his own life. To honor their sacrifice, the McAllen Police Department observed a 38-second moment of silence on July 11, reflecting the date of the officers' deaths. Police Chief Victor Rodriguez emphasized the importance of recognizing the risks law enforcement faces daily in the community and beyond.
Public SafetyVehicle theft suspect evades arrest following police chase from Pharr to Mercedes
A police pursuit of a stolen Chevy Colorado began in Pharr and ended in Mercedes on Sunday morning. The chase started around 7:30 a.m. after officers received a report of the vehicle theft. The Texas Department of Public Safety joined the pursuit, which concluded when the driver abandoned the truck in Mercedes and fled on foot. Despite a search of the area, authorities could not find the suspect. Fortunately, the stolen truck was recovered, and there were no reported injuries. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
Public SafetyChilean Navy Member Runs Over Crowd at Fair; Six Dead
A tragic incident occurred in Viña del Mar, Chile, when a member of the Chilean Navy drove into a crowd at a fair, resulting in six fatalities and multiple injuries. The driver, who was off-duty and driving a private vehicle, reportedly lost control after a collision, according to witnesses. Authorities confirmed that he tested negative for alcohol. The local hospital reported five injured individuals, including two infants, all in stable condition. President José Antonio Kast expressed condolences and stated that state institutions are working to assist the victims and clarify the responsibilities surrounding this incident.
Public SafetyStolen truck chase ends in Mercedes, suspect at large
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Public Safety assisted Pharr police in a vehicle chase from Pharr to Mercedes early Sunday morning, after a call about a stolen truck, according to the City of Pharr. At approximately 7:30 a.m. Sunday, the Pharr Police Department responded to a call about a stolen Chevy Colorado