Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyElsa Police Department Warns About Fraudulent Calls
The Elsa Fire Department is alerting the community about reports of individuals contacting local businesses and residents, falsely posing as members or representatives of the department to discuss fire inspections. Authorities are urging the community to remain vigilant against suspicious or unsolicited calls and to avoid providing personal, business, financial, or payment information over the phone. If someone receives a call and is unsure of its legitimacy, the department recommends hanging up and contacting the Elsa Fire Department directly to verify the information. The official number provided by the department is (956) 877-0964. Authorities are also asking residents and businesses to share this information to help prevent others from becoming victims of such potential fraud. The recommendation is to stay alert, informed, and verify any requests directly with the department before providing information.
Public SafetyFull closure of south SH 336 (10th Street) planned nightly, Tuesday-Thursday, Sept. 8-10
McAllen will experience a full closure of both northbound and southbound SH 336 (10th Street) at the 360 Tollway underpass from September 8 to 10, nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. This closure is necessary for the installation of span wire and traffic signals. Drivers should expect detours onto 23rd Street (SP 115) via W. Military Highway (FM 1016) and E. Dicker Road. Commuters are advised to plan their routes accordingly to avoid delays during this period.
Public SafetyPalmview Welcomes Four New Officers to Its Police Department
The City of Palmview welcomed four new officers to its police department, strengthening community efforts to maintain the safety and well-being of its residents. Officers Rodrigo Lozano, Jesús González Jr., Christine De Hoyos, and Daniel De La Rosa were introduced during a ceremony held at the City Council meeting on September 1, 2026. Family and friends joined the new agents for this significant moment in their careers. With these additions, the Palmview Police Department now has 32 authorized members, including two lieutenants and the police chief. During the ceremony, Cody Broyles and Genaro Cortez were also recognized for their promotions to the rank of sergeant. Broyles will oversee patrol-related functions, while Cortez will take on responsibilities within the Criminal Investigations Division, known as CID. The city extended its congratulations to the four new officers and the two sergeants, highlighting their commitment to serve and protect the Palmview community.
Public SafetySmall Plane Makes Emergency Landing in Weslaco Field
WESLACO, Texas — A small plane made an emergency landing in a field in Weslaco on the afternoon of Tuesday, September 8, as reported by Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra in a post on X. The incident occurred around 2:20 p.m. when a Cessna 150 landed in a field near the intersection of Mile 13 1/2 and Mile 6 West. Officials from the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene. According to preliminary information from authorities, the pilot, a man, was not injured, and no other injuries have been reported. So far, there has been no information on what caused the aircraft to make the emergency landing. The incident is under investigation, and authorities indicated they will provide more information as it becomes available.
Public SafetyTrial Begins for Murder of US Surfer and Two Australians During Trip to Mexico in 2024
ENSENADA, Mexico — A trial began on Monday in a court in the Mexican state of Baja California for three suspects allegedly involved in the murders of two Australians and an American in 2024, which shocked Mexico and raised concerns about the risks faced by foreigners visiting the country. Jesús Gerardo García, also known as 'el Kekas'; Irineo Francisco 'N', and Ángel Jesús 'N' were presented in court in the coastal city of Ensenada for the oral trial regarding their alleged participation in the crime against Australian brothers Callum Ryan Robinson and Jake Martin Robinson, as well as American Jack Carter Rhoad. The hearing concluded in the late afternoon and will continue on Tuesday. Just before entering the courtroom, Martin Robinson, father of the Australian brothers, told the press that he and his wife decided to attend the hearing in Ensenada to represent their sons. 'I know they would want us to be here; they would do the same for us,' he expressed. García was arrested in 2024 along with two other men and Ary Gisell Silva Raya following the discovery of the bodies of the Robinson brothers and Carter, who had been reported missing shortly after arriving in Mexico to surf the beaches of Baja California.
Public SafetyInvestigation underway after man found dead with apparent injuries, Donna police say
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An investigation is underway after a man was found unresponsive with apparent injuries on Tuesday, according to the Donna Police Department. Officers responded to the 500 block of Oak Ridge Street, where the man was later pronounced deceased, police said. The case remains under investigation.
Public SafetyAuthorities Detain Suspicious Individuals Near Grulla High School
Grulla High School resumed normal operations after authorities located and detained several suspicious individuals reported on Tuesday in an area southeast of the campus. According to Rio Grande City Grulla ISD (RGCGISD), the suspicious activity occurred outside the school’s immediate vicinity. However, as a precaution, Grulla High School was placed under a 'Secure Hold' protocol while authorities investigated the situation. The responding law enforcement agencies were able to locate and detain the individuals involved, allowing the security protocol to be lifted and school activities to return to normal. The district emphasized that at no time were students or staff in imminent danger. RGCGISD thanked the response and collaboration of its police department, Grulla Police, U.S. Border Patrol, and Starr County authorities. The district reiterated that it will continue to implement preventive measures when situations arise that may pose a security concern, even if they occur outside the vicinity of its campuses.
Public Safety71-Year-Old Man Stabbed Allegedly by His Son in Brownsville
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — A man accused of allegedly stabbing his 71-year-old father in Brownsville has been granted a $200,000 bond, according to new information provided by the police. The accused has been identified as 36-year-old Ernesto Stuart Owen, who faces a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury. The incident occurred on Monday, September 7, in the 100 block of Candlewick Court, outside their residence. According to preliminary information from the Brownsville Police Department, the 71-year-old man was allegedly stabbed by his son. Both the victim and the accused were taken to a hospital for medical attention. Brownsville Police Department spokesperson Abril Luna reported that Owen sustained injuries after family members intervened to separate him from his father during the incident. In an update on Tuesday, authorities confirmed that the victim has been discharged from the hospital. Owen appeared before a judge, who set a bond of $200,000 for the charge he faces. The case remains under investigation.
Public Safety71-Year-Old Man Stabbed Allegedly by His Son in Brownsville
Brownsville police are investigating a stabbing incident that occurred on Monday, September 7, involving a 71-year-old man allegedly attacked by his son. Preliminary reports indicate the incident took place outside their home on the 100 block of Candlewick Court. Both the victim and the suspect were initially taken to a hospital for medical treatment. As of Tuesday, the victim has been discharged, while the son remains in custody awaiting a court appearance, where more details about potential charges are expected to be revealed. Authorities have cordoned off the area around Galveston Road and Candlewick Court as the investigation continues.
Public SafetyVictims of Amazon Plane Crash in Miami Identified
The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office has identified the five victims who died in the cargo plane accident at Miami International Airport on Sunday. The deceased include Rolando Alemán, 55; Yoel Rodriguez Naranjo, 53; Julio C. Pineda, 75; Carlos Acosta Fajardo, 53; and Javierkis Reyes Quevedo, 47. They were in a van carrying seven employees from a cleaning company when the plane, a Boeing 767-300 operated by 21 Air, crashed into it after veering off the runway. Three people remain hospitalized, with two in critical condition and one stable. An SUV was also hit outside the airport.
Public SafetyInvestigation Underway into Death of Man Found with Apparent Injuries in Donna
The Donna Police Department is investigating the death of a man found with apparent injuries on the morning of September 8. Police Chief Gilbert Guerrero reported that officers responded to the 500 block of Oak Ridge Street, where they discovered an unconscious adult male. He was later pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet disclosed details about the nature of the injuries, the victim's identity, or the circumstances surrounding his death. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Public SafetyFamily Recovers Four Bodies After Plane Disappearance with Grandparents and Grandchildren Near Bahamas
Family members reported on Tuesday that they have recovered the bodies of those on board a small plane that disappeared near the Bahamas, which included an elderly couple and their grandchildren. Authorities stated that four people were traveling in the Piper PA-34 aircraft, which took off shortly after 10 a.m. on Monday from Great Harbour Cay Airport and lost contact while en route to Miami Executive Airport. According to family members, the passengers were Mario Lamar, 80; his wife, Lili Lamar, 79; and their grandchildren, Sofia Sosa, 28, and Christian Sosa, 22. The family indicated that Mario Lamar was piloting the plane. U.S. Coast Guard officials confirmed they were collaborating with Bahamian authorities in the search for the aircraft, which may have crashed into the sea approximately 15 miles from Andros Island. However, the Royal Bahamas Police Force indicated on Monday that the search was postponed due to bad weather. According to a statement from the family, civilian vessels found the bodies on Tuesday morning. 'With deep sadness, we confirm that all four members of our family were found deceased. The search and recovery mission was carried out alongside family members and civilians who responded to our call for help. Ultimately, our family members located our loved ones and had to bring them on board their own vessels,' the statement reads. The family reported that they are in communication and working with the U.S. Coast Guard for the safe and dignified return of their loved ones 'back home.' 'We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us, participated in the search, and kept our family in their prayers. We respectfully ask for privacy as we navigate this unimaginable loss,' the statement adds. In a video sent to NBC6 and Telemundo 51 by Silvia Larrieu, niece of Mario Lamar, the family had requested help from aircraft or vessels that could assist in the search and urged anyone who may have seen anything to report it to the authorities.
Public SafetyWeslaco ISD Alerts About False Threat Circulating on Social Media
Weslaco Independent School District (Weslaco ISD) issued a safety alert regarding a false threat circulating on social media that mentions Central Middle School. The district clarified that this post is part of a hoax affecting several school districts in South Texas, featuring an image of 'Cat in the Hat' alongside the threat. Weslaco ISD is working closely with the Weslaco Police Department to monitor the situation. The district emphasized the importance of student and staff safety and urged students and parents not to share the post, as it could create unnecessary fear. They encouraged reporting any concerning information to trusted adults.
Public SafetyTraffic Change on SH 107 in Edinburg Due to Construction Work
Drivers in Edinburg should prepare for traffic changes on State Highway 107 (SH 107) due to construction work scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The affected area is between Sharp Road and Cesar Chavez Road. During this time, traffic will be redirected to the inner lanes of SH 107 to allow crews to work on the outer lanes. This construction is part of a larger improvement project on SH 107 between FM 907 (Alamo Road) and Sharp Road. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for potential delays.
Public SafetyTraffic switch scheduled for SH 107 in Edinburg
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A traffic switch is scheduled in Edinburg, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. The traffic switch is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on SH 107 from Sharp Road to Cesar Chavez Road, according to a news release from TxDOT. The traffic has been scheduled for construction work. Motorists driving
Public Safety71-year-old stabbed by son in Brownsville: PD
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man stabbed his father outside their home, according to the Brownsville Police Department. The stabbing took place at the 100 block of Candlewick Ct. A preliminary investigation revealed that a man stabbed his 71-year-old father outside their home. Both were transported to a local hospital, police say. Galveston Road and Candlewick
Public SafetyNightly I-2 closures scheduled for Donna, Weslaco
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Nightly closures have been scheduled in the Donna and Weslaco area, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. According to a news release from TxDOT, all eastbound lanes of I-2 will be closed from 9 a.m. to 6 a.m. starting Sept. 8, through Sept. 18, between FM 493, also known as Salinas
Public SafetyMan Found Dead Near Canal in Mercedes Identified
Update 9/8/2026: MERCEDES, Texas — The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office has identified the man found dead near a canal in a rural area of Mercedes. According to the authorities' update, the discovery occurred on Monday, September 7, around 7:00 p.m., after officers responded to the area of FM 491, south of Mile 10 Road, following a report of a body in a ditch. Upon arrival, officers located a deceased man at the edge of the canal. The victim was later identified as 52-year-old César Gerardo García. Authorities reported that an autopsy was performed, but results are still pending. At this time, the death has been classified as 'undetermined,' meaning the exact cause has not yet been conclusively established. The Sheriff's Office noted that investigators have not found evidence of criminal activity so far. However, the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are asking anyone with additional information about the case to contact the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office at 956-383-8114. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers at 956-668-TIPS (8477) or submit information via the P3 TIPS app. Police activity is currently reported in the area. Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office authorities are located south of Mile 10 on FM 491 in the city of Mercedes. We will provide more information as it becomes available. This is a developing story.
Public SafetyBreaking: Police Activity Reported in Mercedes
Police activity has been reported in Mercedes, Texas, with authorities from the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office present south of Mile 10 on FM 491. Details are still emerging, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. This is a developing story. Earlier reports included the arrest of a man in Cameron County for allegedly murdering his wife in Bayview, as well as investigations into two shootings in Brownsville.