Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public Safety16-Year-Old Charged with Human Trafficking in Brownsville
A 16-year-old was arrested after attempting to flee from Border Patrol agents near Brownsville, Texas, in a case related to alleged human trafficking. According to federal authorities, the minor tried to evade agents during a chase that ended when the vehicle crashed. Following the incident, the teenager was detained and now faces state charges for evading arrest and human trafficking. Authorities reported that the undocumented individuals involved in the case will be processed for deportation. The Border Patrol reiterated that participating in human trafficking activities can lead to serious legal consequences, even for minors.
Public SafetyCaregiver Allegedly Killed Her Partner and Transported the Remains in a Suitcase
The girlfriend and caregiver of a man is accused of shooting him multiple times in the head before receiving help from her immediate family to transport him to the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, according to the district attorney. This came to light after the discovery of the human remains of Vincent Good, 53, in a suitcase and two garbage bags in an alley on the 600 block of East Hilton Street on May 22, 2026. District Attorney Larry Krasner and the attorney assigned to the case stated in a press conference that four people have been arrested and charged in connection with the crime. These include a mother, her sister, her daughter, and the daughter's boyfriend, who lived in the house where the caregiver was taking care of the victim on Leonard Street. The alleged perpetrators are Liza Ridley, 53, the victim's girlfriend and caregiver, facing charges of homicide, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy to commit murder, and related offenses; Bernadette Ridley, 55, the caregiver's sister, facing charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and related offenses; Liza Robinson, 32, the caregiver's daughter, facing charges of tampering with evidence and related offenses; and Gnaeus Daniels, 33, the daughter's boyfriend, facing charges of tampering with evidence and related offenses. According to the investigation, a Lyft driver picked up the suspect (Liza Ridley) with a suitcase that had an unbearable odor. When asked about the smell, she claimed it was
Public SafetyAlligator spotted at Mission RV resort, city says
A small alligator was spotted at the Seven Oaks Resort in Mission, prompting city officials to take action. In a news release, the city announced plans to safely trap and relocate the alligator from the RV resort located at 801 South Inspiration Road. Residents are advised to exercise caution near ponds and surrounding areas. The city urges the public to maintain a safe distance, supervise children and pets, and avoid approaching or feeding the alligator.
Public SafetyWater line break prompts overnight road closure in McAllen
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A portion of the eastbound frontage road in McAllen will be fully closed until further notice as utility crews work to repair a water break in the area, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. TxDOT said that the water line ruptured on Wednesday night, prompting road closures on the eastbound
Public SafetyHidalgo businessman admits to filing fraudulent customs paperwork
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A businessman who submitted fraudulent customs paperwork to avoid taxes and tariffs pleaded guilty on Wednesday. Mauro Esteban Garza Torres, who owns GMT Machinery in Hidalgo, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan F. Alanis on Wednesday afternoon. “Guilty,” Garza said. Garza grew up in Mexico, according to a report prepared by
Public SafetyWater main break reported near South McAllen Water Plant
City officials reported a water main break near the South McAllen Water Plant, potentially disrupting water service in the vicinity. The incident occurred at the intersection of S. 23rd Street and Expressway 83 on Wednesday evening. As a result, the Texas Department of Transportation has closed the eastbound I-2 frontage road between 23rd and 26th Streets. Residents may experience lower water pressure due to the break. There is currently no timeline for repairs or information on the cause. Drivers are urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes.
Public SafetyRecovery Efforts Underway: 11 Dead from Tank Implosion at Paper Mill
Authorities in Washington state have confirmed 11 fatalities following the implosion of a chemical tank at the Nippon Dynawave paper plant in Longview. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday morning, has been declared the deadliest industrial accident in the state's modern history. The tank, designed to hold 900,000 gallons of hazardous chemicals, was approximately 60% full at the time of the explosion. Rescue operations have transitioned to recovery efforts, with officials stating that no survivors are expected. Seven other employees are hospitalized with injuries, while environmental assessments indicate no immediate danger to local water supplies.
Public SafetyAlligator spotted at RV park in south Mission
MISSION, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An alligator was spotted at an RV park in south Mission, the city announced on Wednesday afternoon. The alligator was located at Seven Oaks Resort, an RV park located near several bodies of water, including the Rio Grande. The city of Mission advises the public to practice caution around water and the
Public SafetyConcerned about unsigned paperwork, jury finds man not guilty of illegally returning to the U.S. after deportation
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — After a two-day trial, a jury deliberated for less than three hours Wednesday before finding a 55-year-old man not guilty of illegally returning to the United States after being deported. A jury of six men and six women found Javier Segura Martinez, a 55-year-old man from Mexico, not guilty on Wednesday
Public SafetyHard Narcotics Valued at Over $455K Seized by CBP Officers in Laredo
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry seized over $455,000 worth of narcotics, including 32.84 pounds of cocaine and 288.1 grams of ketamine, on May 22. The drugs were discovered during a secondary inspection of a 75-year-old U.S. citizen driving a 2011 Volvo XC60. Fourteen packages containing the drugs were found after a canine and nonintrusive inspection. The narcotics were valued at $455,882, and both the drugs and the vehicle were seized. Homeland Security Investigations has arrested the driver and is conducting further investigations.
Public SafetyFuneral services announced for Progreso ISD student who drowned in Mercedes canal
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Funeral services for a 17-year-old Progreso Independent School District student who drowned in a Mercedes canal while fishing have been announced. The body of Samuel Hernandez was recovered from a canal located at Mile 1 and Mile 10 in rural north Mercedes by a Texas Department of Public Safety dive team
Public SafetyFisherman who caught 7.7 pounds of cocaine pleads guilty
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In March, when John Diaz took his son fishing, he found himself on the hook for about 7.7 pounds of cocaine. Diaz parked his truck near the Rio Grande, pulled out a pole and fished for about 45 minutes. Border Patrol couldn’t see what, exactly, Diaz did that day, but when
Public SafetyTexas Felon Found Guilty of Illegally Selling Dozens of Guns and Ammunition
A 45-year-old man from Houston, Jonathan Chimney, has been found guilty of illegally selling firearms and ammunition. Following a three-day trial that ended on May 7, U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt convicted him of multiple charges, including operating a firearms business without a license and being a felon in possession of firearms. Between February and July 2022, Chimney and an accomplice sold 66 firearms and 887 rounds of ammunition for around $41,000 during an undercover operation. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible fine of $250,000, with sentencing scheduled for September 8.
Public SafetyBridge replacement in Brownsville prompts road closures
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Starting Wednesday, a bridge replacement located on Minnesota Avenue in Brownsville will cause road closures until July 31, the Texas Department of Transportation announced. According to TXDOT, the road closures will affect traffic on Minnesota Avenue between Starship Road and Zafiro Drive. The Norton Drive between Minnesota Avenue and Morningside Drive
Public SafetyAlert Issued in Mission Due to Alligator Sighting at Seven Oaks Resort
In light of the animal's presence, residents and visitors have been urged to exercise caution near the ponds and surrounding areas. They were also advised to maintain a safe distance, closely supervise children and pets, and avoid approaching or feeding the alligator. Authorities stated they are currently working on a safe solution to capture and humanely relocate the animal. While these efforts continue, they requested patience and cooperation from the community to ensure the safety of both people and the alligator.
Public SafetyHidalgo County: Man Wanted for Organized Crime Charges
The suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Joseph Toribio Garza. The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office reported that he faces a state felony charge related to participation in organized criminal activity. The individual is described physically as having dark hair, brown eyes, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, and weighing 130 pounds. Reports can also be made anonymously through the Crime Stoppers hotline at 956-668-8477 or via the P3 app.
Public SafetyWomen’s Self-Defense Course, June 1st-3rd in Edinburg
The Edinburg Police Department is offering a Women’s Self-Defense Course from June 1 to June 3 at the CPL Derek Hernandez Police Training Facility, located at 1313 N. Doolittle Road. The sessions will run from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and are open to women aged 18 and older. Participants will learn essential self-defense skills to protect themselves from potential threats. Interested individuals can register online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RADJune123. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable clothing and footwear for the hands-on training sessions.
Public SafetyTRAFFIC ALERT- Minnesota Avenue Bridge Replacement in Brownsville, May 27th – July 31st
Starting May 27, the Minnesota Avenue Bridge in Brownsville will undergo replacement, leading to significant travel disruptions until July 31. The road will be closed to through traffic between Starship Road and Zafiro Drive, and Norton Drive will also be closed between Minnesota Avenue and Morningside Drive. A detour route has been established via Southmost Avenue. Commuters are encouraged to plan their trips accordingly and allow extra time for travel during this period.
Public SafetyTexas Authorities Find 20 Immigrants Hidden in a Truck
LAREDO, Texas – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported that it located 20 undocumented immigrants hidden inside a tractor-trailer during a traffic stop conducted as part of an operation in Webb County. The incident occurred on May 18 on IH-35 near mile marker 28. According to the official statement from the DPS, the driver attempted to flee on foot but was arrested immediately. The report stated that the 20 undocumented immigrants were hidden in the sleeper area of the tractor-trailer. The driver, 25-year-old Miguel Ángel Velázquez Chávez, a Mexican national, was charged with evading arrest and human smuggling, and was booked into the Webb County Jail, the DPS said.