Stolen 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

Fire at Bangkok Pub Leaves at Least 27 Dead

A devastating fire engulfed a pub in Bangkok early Monday, resulting in at least 27 fatalities, according to local authorities. Many victims were discovered in the bathrooms at the back of the Na Ladprao pub. The fire was reported around midnight, with witnesses describing thick smoke and flames. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that several injured individuals have been hospitalized, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Previous incidents in Thailand have seen similar tragedies, including a 2022 pub fire that killed 14 and a 2009 New Year's Eve blaze that claimed 66 lives.

Pharr to Mercedes Chase Ends with Suspect at Large

A police chase that began in Pharr and ended in Mercedes resulted in a suspect fleeing on foot. The incident occurred on Sunday morning, July 12, when Pharr police responded to a report of a stolen Chevy Colorado truck around 7:30 a.m. After locating the vehicle, the driver refused to stop, leading to a pursuit that lasted several kilometers. Texas Department of Public Safety officers joined the chase, but the suspect abandoned the truck and fled on foot when cornered. Authorities conducted an extensive search but did not find the individual. No injuries were reported, and the stolen truck was successfully recovered.

Well-Known Appliance Brand Recalls Over 12,000 Grills Sold at Walmart and Lowe’s

Conair has recalled approximately 12,660 Cuisinart Propel+ gas grills sold at Walmart and Lowe’s due to safety concerns. The issue involves the tempered glass window of the pizza oven, which may shatter during use. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported 37 incidents of glass breakage and one fire, but no injuries have been reported. The affected models, identified by the model number CGG-6331, were sold between December 2024 and May 2026. Customers are advised to check Conair's website to see if their grill is affected and to follow specific steps for safe disposal and reimbursement of $500.

A July 4 boat trip, an 18-year-old death and a family search for answers in the Deep South

Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old from Mississippi, died after a July 4 boat trip with friends to Horn Island. His body was discovered two days later, raising questions about the circumstances of his death. His parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, are demanding a thorough investigation, expressing skepticism over claims that he chose to stay behind. They have commissioned an independent autopsy and are seeking witnesses and video evidence. The case has drawn attention due to Mississippi's racial history, with support from figures like Tyler Perry and Colin Kaepernick. The family is concerned about the integrity of the investigation by local authorities.

Traffic stop in Cameron Co. leads to human smuggling arrest

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —  A traffic stop led to a human smuggling case in Cameron County, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Juan Garcia, of Garland, Texas, was arrested and is facing four counts of smuggling of persons, according to a DPS news release. On June 26, a DPS trooper attempted to conduct

Memorial for Harlingen teen killed in hit-and-run crash repeatedly vandalized, mother says

On July 9, the family of Harlingen teen Kayden Schwartz marked what would have been his 17th birthday at the site of his fatal hit-and-run accident. Kayden was killed last February while biking on FM 1846 in San Benito. His mother, Rebecca, expressed her grief and frustration over the memorial they created, which has been vandalized five times. Decorations have been destroyed, and inappropriate items have been left at the site. The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating, and the driver, Rodolfo Ruiz Jr., faces charges with a trial set for August 24. Rebecca hopes for justice for her son.

Records: Tequila in the dressing room led to hospitalization and arrests in McAllen quinceañera

A couple from McAllen, Jose and Jeanett Garza, has been arrested for allegedly supplying alcohol to minors at their daughter's quinceañera on July 4 at the Windsor Event Center. Reports indicate that they stored tequila in a dressing room accessible to teenagers. A 15-year-old girl consumed tequila directly from the bottle, leading to severe illness and hospitalization. Another 15-year-old received a citation for underage drinking. McAllen Police emphasized the serious consequences of providing alcohol to minors, although they have not updated the public on the hospitalized teen's condition.

Teens charged after consuming alcohol at McAllen bar using fake IDs from Mexico, records say

Four minors were charged after drinking alcohol at a McAllen bar using fake Mexican IDs. The individuals, Eduardo Cervantes, Diego De Leon, Jorge Richaud, and a female minor, faced multiple charges, including public intoxication and misrepresentation of age. The incident occurred on July 3 at Sala De Despecho, where police responded to a report of a 17-year-old female found unresponsive in a restroom. She was treated by EMS and later hospitalized. During a bar check, officers discovered the minors with fake IDs and a receipt for their orders. They were taken into custody, and the IDs were collected as evidence.

DPS: Police chase ends in deadly crash near Edinburg

Harlingen teen hit-and-run memorial vandalized five times, mother says

Stolen vehicle pursuit ends in deadly crash near Edinburg: DPS

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A woman was pronounced dead on Friday after leading law enforcement on a pursuit in a stolen vehicle near Edinburg, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Pharr resident Crystal Ramirez, 32, died of her injuries sustained in the crash. The crash occurred at approximately 4:47 p.m. on Iowa Road

11-week road closure in Mercedes for drainage project

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Precinct One Commissioner David L. Fuentes announced a scheduled road closure that will last approximately 11 weeks. According to a news release, the closure is scheduled to begin on Monday, Aug. 13, in the area of Mile 1 West between Mile 10 North and Mile 11 North in Mercedes,

Mexico Arrests Eleven Passengers with 165 Kilos of Cocaine at Tijuana Airport

Mexican authorities arrested 11 passengers, including 7 women and 4 men, at Tijuana International Airport for carrying 165 kilograms of cocaine hidden in 11 backpacks. The arrests occurred during random luggage checks on a flight from Guadalajara, following intelligence on drug trafficking activities. The cocaine was found in rectangular packages containing a white powder characteristic of the drug. The detainees were handed over to a public prosecutor for legal proceedings. This operation involved the Criminal Investigation Agency, the National Guard, and other security agencies, as part of enhanced security measures in Baja California.

ValleyCentral Weekend Report: Continuing Coverage, deep dive and more

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — On this week’s edition of Valley Central Weekend Report, NBC 23 Anchor Rudy Mireles breaks down all the biggest stories from the week.  Starting with new updates on the Alton teen who is accused of killing three family members. During a hearing on Monday, we learned new details on the case. Alton police patrol supervisor Osvaldo Miguel Zamora, he

Accident in Edinburg Leaves One Person Injured

Local authorities reported a serious traffic accident that occurred on the afternoon of Friday, July 10, on the 4900 block of South I-69C, which resulted in the overturning of a cargo truck. The incident took place around 5:01 p.m. when a tractor-trailer traveling north changed lanes and struck a Nissan Altima. The impact caused the truck driver to lose control, resulting in the vehicle overturning on its side in the middle of the road. The driver of the Nissan Altima sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital by EMS paramedics. Traffic in the area was temporarily affected while emergency services cleared the vehicles, but authorities confirmed that the highway has since been fully reopened to traffic.

CBP Seizes Firearms and Ammunition in Presidio

On July 8, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Presidio, Texas Port of Entry seized eight firearms and 500 rounds of ammunition from a vehicle heading to Mexico. The 2013 Nissan X-trail contained six rifles, two handguns, 180 magazines, and components for machine guns, all discovered during a physical inspection after non-intrusive technology detected anomalies. The driver, a lawful U.S. permanent resident and Mexican citizen, was arrested and faces charges for smuggling goods and trafficking in firearms. CBP officials emphasized their commitment to preventing illegal arms trafficking across the border.

CBP Officers Seize Almost $11m in Meth at Pharr Port of Entry

On July 6, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Pharr International Bridge seized nearly $11 million worth of methamphetamine during a secondary inspection of a commercial tractor trailer. The shipment, initially declared as 'cabbage,' raised suspicions, leading to a canine inspection that indicated the presence of drugs. A subsequent scan revealed irregularities, and a physical search uncovered 477 packages containing 532.1 kilograms (1,173 lbs.) of meth. CBP seized the narcotics, the tractor, and the trailer, with the meth's street value estimated at $10,787,542, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.

Brownsville motorist advised of scheduled road closures on Westbound Wild Rose Ln.

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Brownsville is advising drivers to prepare ahead for its upcoming road closures as part of the Wild Rose Lane Reconstruction Improvements Project. According to a news release from the city of Brownsville, the scheduled road closure is taking place from 8:30 a.m. on Monday, July 13 and will remain