Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyJudge throws out Gulf Cartel gun smuggling case
McAllen, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A federal judge dismissed a conspiracy charge against a man accused of selling guns to the Gulf Cartel on Friday. U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano dismissed the case against Julio Treviño Jr., 23, of McAllen on Friday afternoon. “The government did not produce a single iota — not a shred
Public SafetyWater boil notice issued in Sebastian
SEBASTIAN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A water boil notice has been issued for residents in Sebastian due to a water outage, according to the Sebastian Municipal Utility District. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the Sebastian MUD to put out a water boil notice to its customers following the water leak. The water boil notice
Public Safety$692K in Cocaine Intercepted by CBP Officers at Progreso Port of Entry
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Progreso Port of Entry seized over $692,000 worth of cocaine on May 13. The drugs, weighing 51.85 pounds, were discovered in a 2022 Ford Mustang driven by a 19-year-old U.S. citizen during a secondary inspection. CBP utilized a nonintrusive inspection system and canines to uncover 23 packages of the narcotics. The driver was arrested by Drug Enforcement Administration agents from McAllen, and a criminal investigation has been initiated by a Homeland Security Task Force. Port Director Michael Martinez praised the officers' commitment to border security and community safety.
Public Safety17-year-old drowns in canal near rural Mercedes
A 17-year-old student from Progreso High School, Samuel Hernandez, drowned in a canal near rural Mercedes on Sunday evening. The incident occurred around 7:44 p.m. while Hernandez and his friends were fishing. Witnesses reported that Hernandez jumped into the canal to free a stuck fishing line but struggled to stay afloat. Despite attempts to help him with a pole, he disappeared underwater and did not resurface. His body was recovered by a Texas DPS dive team the following morning. Progreso ISD expressed deep condolences and announced counseling services for those affected. The investigation is ongoing.
Public SafetyProgreso ISD student drowns after jumping into canal, Sheriff says
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A teenager drowned after attempting to free a fishing line in a canal located at Mile 1 West and Mile 10 in rural North Mercedes, according to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. A spokesperson from the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office identified the victim as Samuel Hernandez, 17. On Monday morning, the
Public SafetyCBP seizes more than $1.2 million in cocaine at Hidalgo and Pharr International Bridges
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Hidalgo and Pharr International Bridges seized over $1.2 million in cocaine during two separate incidents. On May 10, officers discovered 57.32 pounds of cocaine hidden in a Honda sedan coming from Reynosa, Mexico. Two days later, they found 35.93 pounds of cocaine in a Chrysler sedan, also from Reynosa. Both vehicles were subjected to nonintrusive inspections and canine screenings, leading to the discovery of the narcotics. The drivers were arrested, and investigations are ongoing, according to Port Director Carlos Rodriguez.
Public SafetyDPS Files Charges Against Port Lavaca Man in Child Exploitation Inquiry
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has arrested 62-year-old Kenneth W. Bulsterbaum in Port Lavaca as part of a child exploitation investigation. The inquiry began after law enforcement received information about incidents involving juvenile victims over several years. On May 20, 2026, DPS agents executed a search warrant at Bulsterbaum's residence on South Colorado Street, leading to his arrest for indecency with a child and sexual performance by a child, both third-degree felonies. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities encourage anyone with information to contact Victoria/Port Lavaca Crime Stoppers at 361-572-4200.
Public SafetyBody of a Minor Pulled from Texas Beach After Being Swept Away by a Wave
The body of Joshua Lahai, a child who disappeared Sunday afternoon after being swept away by a wave at Surfside Beach, a beach in southeast Texas, has been recovered. Authorities reported that a fisherman made the discovery around 1:30 p.m. near the intersection of Oyster Street and Beach Drive along the Surfside coast and alerted them. The child had gone missing while swimming approximately 150 yards from the shore alongside another minor. According to Surfside Beach police, a wave pulled him underwater while he was playing with another child. Search teams conducted an intense operation for nearly two days until the body was found. Dramatic Search On Monday afternoon, authorities reported the discovery of a pair of shorts that, according to the father, belonged to the missing child who was swept away by a wave in Surfside on Sunday afternoon. The garment was found a quarter mile from where the child was last seen. Texas EquuSearch teams were scouring the water area for more clues, while agents from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (Game Wardens) were also in the area. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is expected to deploy a boat on Monday night to reinforce the search efforts, which could extend throughout the night. Rescue teams worked all night to try to locate him. Tim Miller, founder of Texas EquuSearch, confirmed that his organization was in the area assisting in the efforts. 'We’ve been here all night. No one has slept. We continue to do everything we can,' Miller said during the search. The Disappearance According to authorities, the minor was visiting Surfside Beach with a youth football team from Richmond, Texas, along with family and friends over Memorial Day weekend. Investigators indicated that a large wave hit the minors. The child disappeared underwater and did not resurface. The other minor managed to return safely to the beach. More than 40 people participated in the search operation, including members of the Surfside Beach Police Department, the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, and volunteers from Texas EquuSearch. The U.S. Coast Guard also joined the efforts since Sunday night, deploying an airplane, a helicopter, and boats to search the area.
Public SafetyBLEVE Explosion Ruled Out in California; Toxic Threat Persists
The serious concern over the possibility of an explosion that could release a plume of toxic chemicals into the air in Garden Grove weighed heavily on residents of this Orange County community and firefighters, who were working diligently to find ways to mitigate the threat to nearby homes and businesses during a troubling weekend. The crisis began on Thursday when a storage tank at GKN Aerospace started to heat up, building pressure due in part to a problem with a pressure relief valve. The situation reached a critical point where firefighters warned that the tank would either leak its toxic contents or explode. Evacuation orders remain in effect since this weekend for nearly 50,000 people due to what authorities described as a complex and unprecedented hazardous materials emergency. The tank contains methyl methacrylate, a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid chemical used in the manufacturing of resins and plastics, which can irritate the skin, eyes, and nose in humans. On Monday, the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) announced in a morning update that the risk of a BLEVE had been eliminated. However, the threat has not been fully mitigated. This is what this news means for the emergency in Garden Grove.
Public SafetyWoman from Edinburg Arrested for Domestic Assault and Resisting Arrest
Luisa Verónica Silva, a resident of Edinburg, was arrested on May 24 by the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. She faces charges of family violence for causing bodily injury to a family member, as well as resisting arrest. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding domestic violence in the area. Silva's case is currently under investigation, and further details are expected to emerge as authorities continue their work.
Public SafetyYoung Man Found Dead in Mercedes Identified; Scene Remains Active
Authorities have identified the body of 17-year-old Samuel Anastacio Hernández, found in a rural area near Mile 1 South on Highway 10 in Mercedes. Preliminary reports indicate that the teenager entered the water on Sunday night and did not resurface. His body was discovered on Monday morning as officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The scene remains active, and further information is expected to be released in the coming hours. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided by Telemundo 40.
Public SafetyHidalgo Drainage District announces Diamondback Drive closure
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 announced its contractor will temporarily close Diamondback Drive to complete the drainage infrastructure improvements. According to a news release, the road closures are scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 25, and conclude at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30. The closures will
Public SafetyCity of La Joya warn residents of alligator sighting near Palm Shores, The Coves area
LA JOYA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The City of La Joya is warning its residents in the areas of Palm Shores and The Coves following reports of an alligator sighting. According to a social media post from the city officials, the alligator was reported in the area. City officials advise residents to avoid approaching or feeding the
Public SafetyDPS investigates crash in Sebastian that caused SUV to leave roadway, strike pedestrian
The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating a serious crash that occurred on May 23 at approximately 12:27 p.m. on Interstate Highway 69E, south of Sebastian. A Chevrolet Suburban, towing a Honda Pilot, collided with a black Nissan Altima while navigating slow traffic caused by an earlier rollover accident. The impact caused the Chevrolet to veer off the road, striking a male pedestrian who was standing in a ditch. The pedestrian was transported to Valley Baptist Medical Center and is currently in critical condition.
Public SafetySUV veers off road hits man in ditch, man in critical condition: DPS
SEBASTIAN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating an SUV rollover that led a Cherverolet towing a vehicle to veer off the road and hit a pedestrian. The crash happened at around 12:27 p.m. Saturday on IH-69E southbound. According to a DPS spokesperson, a preliminary investigation a black Nissan Altima and a Chevrolet Suburban
Public SafetyI can't believe I'm still here: Paraglider escapes death after collision with small plane
A 44-year-old paraglider survived a terrifying mid-air collision with a small plane while flying over the Austrian Alps near Piesendorf, Salzburg. The incident occurred when the pilot of the plane, who was 28 years old, reported he could not avoid the collision. The plane's propeller severely damaged the paraglider, prompting the experienced flyer to deploy her reserve parachute. She made an emergency landing and was airlifted by police helicopter. Both the paraglider and the pilot escaped serious injuries. A video of the incident was shared on Instagram, showing the dramatic moment of the collision and her subsequent descent.
Public SafetyApproximately 93 lbs of cocaine seized in Hidalgo County bridges: CBP
HIDALGO COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The United States and Border Protection officers seized approximately 93 pounds of alleged cocaine in two separate inspections. According to a news release from CBP, on May 10, a CBP officer stationed at the Hidalgo International Bridge referred a Honda sedan coming from Reynosa, Mexico, to a secondary inspection. X-Rays taken
Public SafetyRecords: Mission woman manipulated bedridden 88-year-old woman to steal $153K from her
Vanessa Corpus-Trevino, a woman from Mission, TX, has been arrested for allegedly stealing $153,000 from an 88-year-old bedridden woman over two years. The theft was reported in February 2024 by the elderly woman's son, who noticed unauthorized CashApp transactions linked to Corpus-Trevino. Despite the victim's initial desire to drop charges, the son later reported continued financial exploitation, including the unauthorized use of the victim's vehicle. Corpus-Trevino was arrested and is being held on a $200,000 bond. The investigation revealed that the victim was manipulated into giving money and loans without understanding the transactions.
Public SafetyJudge dismisses criminal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported
A federal judge has dismissed human smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was wrongfully deported to El Salvador last year. The judge criticized the Justice Department for pursuing charges that appeared to be retaliatory after Garcia challenged his deportation. U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw noted evidence of 'presumptive vindictiveness' in the prosecution's timing and statements from Trump administration officials. Although Garcia won this legal battle, his future remains uncertain as officials have threatened to deport him to various African countries. Garcia, a Salvadoran citizen, has lived in the U.S. for years and has an American wife and child.