Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyInfluencer Dreamdoll Killed in Shooting Attack on Lamborghini in Florida
A social media influencer was killed and two others were injured when someone opened fire on the Lamborghini they were in on Sunday in South Florida, police confirmed. The three victims were transported to the hospital by fire and rescue teams. The woman, identified as Brianna Johnson, 21, did not survive. She was known as @dreamdoll_brii on Instagram and @_itgirlbri on TikTok, where she had nearly 500,000 followers across both platforms. Many condolences have poured in following her unexpected death. According to Miramar police, officers arrived at the area of 2700 Sunshine Boulevard after receiving reports of a shooting that occurred around 5:33 a.m. Police stated that two men and a woman were in the vehicle, which was heading west on Sunshine Boulevard when they were shot at. After the gunfire, the car crashed near the 2600 block of Sunshine Boulevard. Authorities noted that one of the surviving victims is in critical condition, while the other has serious injuries. Miramar police reported that they are still searching for a suspect who they believe was driving a white BMW. 'This is not how you want to wake up on a Sunday morning; it’s a chaotic scene,' said Miramar Police Chief Delrish Moss on Sunday. 'Hearing multiple gunshots in the middle of the night or early morning is disturbing. For now, we don’t believe there is a larger threat to the neighborhood, but for some reason, they targeted this particular vehicle.' Witnesses told NBC6, a sister station of Telemundo 51, that it sounded like an intense burst of gunfire. 'There’s no reason for that behavior when we’re all trying to come together for something as big as 250 years of freedoms; so why do things like this?' said a neighbor.
Public SafetyA year after deadly floods, Texas lawmakers havent addressed training for emergency coordinators
A year after the devastating floods in Texas, state lawmakers have yet to implement training requirements for local emergency management coordinators. During legislative hearings, Nim Kidd, the chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, emphasized the need for a baseline training standard, as current regulations allow untrained individuals to fill these critical roles. Although some measures were taken post-flood, including the installation of flood warning sirens and new camp safety regulations, two proposed bills addressing emergency coordinator training failed to pass. Lawmakers will have another chance to consider these recommendations in January during the next legislative session.
Public SafetyProsecutors to lay out their case against the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk
This week in Utah, prosecutors will present their case against Tyler Robinson, accused of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The preliminary hearing, lasting five days, will be the first time Kirk's family appears in court with Robinson. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, arguing that Kirk's killing endangered others. Evidence includes DNA linking Robinson to the murder weapon and witness testimonies. Robinson, who has not entered a plea, allegedly confessed via text and left a note expressing intent to kill Kirk. The hearing will be livestreamed, and public access has been granted despite defense objections.
Public SafetyDEA: 80-year-old man caught with 345 pounds of cocaine
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Border Patrol caught an 80-year-old man with more than 345 pounds of cocaine on Wednesday, according to the criminal complaint against him. Luke David Brader, 80, of Bay City — a small town southwest of Houston — stopped at the Border Patrol checkpoint near Falfurrias on July 1. Brader was driving a white
Public SafetySeaplane with eight people on board makes emergency landing in a New York river
A seaplane with eight people on board made an emergency landing in New York's East River on Sunday. At least two individuals sustained minor injuries and were treated by emergency services, according to the New York City Fire Department. The incident occurred around noon near East 23rd Street in Manhattan. Initially, reports indicated there were ten occupants, but this was later corrected. Witness videos captured the seaplane floating vertically in the river as rescue boats arrived. Authorities have not yet disclosed the plane's departure location or the cause of the emergency landing, and the investigation is ongoing.
Public SafetyShooting on Independence Day Leaves 8 Injured, Including 4 Children in New York, Police Say
On Saturday night in Coney Island, Brooklyn, at least eight people, including four children, were shot during a family barbecue, leaving a 21-year-old woman in critical condition. The NYPD responded to reports of gunfire around 10:35 p.m. and found the victims in the front yard of a residential building. The children, aged 6, 7, 12, and 14, were hospitalized, with injuries ranging from gunshot wounds to the abdomen and legs. A man in black clothing and a ski mask is the suspected shooter, who fled the scene. An investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made yet.
Public SafetyFirework Strikes Delta Plane During Landing: 'We Heard a Loud Bang'
A Delta Air Lines flight safely landed at Chicago's Midway International Airport on Saturday night after the crew reported being struck by a firework. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that Delta Flight 1076, arriving from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, was hit by a firework projectile. Air traffic control audio revealed that the crew felt a 'loud bang' upon impact. Fortunately, the aircraft landed around 8:30 p.m. without injuries reported. Delta stated that the plane landed without incident and was inspected by mechanics, finding no damage. The FAA is investigating the incident.
Public SafetyWillacy County warns of bee colony at Port Mansfield park
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Willacy County Sheriff's Office is advising its residents to be cautious when visiting the Laguna Point Park in Port Mansfield, as there are reports of a bee colony. According to the Willacy County Sheriff's Office, they have received confirmation of a honey bee colony on the west wall of the Coastal
Public SafetyHidalgo County Strengthens DWI Enforcement for July 4th
The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with various security agencies, has intensified DWI enforcement operations during the Independence Day celebrations. This initiative, part of the 'No Refusal Initiative,' runs from July 2 to July 5, 2026, aiming to prevent accidents and fatalities on the roads during one of the year's most dangerous weekends. Authorities will increase surveillance at strategic locations to identify and stop drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They may also seek quick court orders for blood tests from those refusing sobriety tests. Officials encourage the community to celebrate safely and responsibly.
Public SafetyMcAllen firefighters who deployed to Hill Country reflect on flood anniversary
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — For many in Texas, the once-festive Independence Day holiday has taken on a new and somber meaning. This Saturday will mark the first anniversary of catastrophic flooding in Central Texas that took the lives of more than 130 people, becoming one of the state's deadliest disasters in history. People across the
Public SafetyMexico hands over murder suspect to the U.S. in Riverside case
Mexicali police arrested 50-year-old Adolfo 'N' in the Valle de Puebla neighborhood, wanted by U.S. authorities for a homicide committed on June 28 in Riverside County, California. The arrest occurred after a citizen reported a man disturbing the peace. Upon confirming his U.S. nationality, local authorities contacted U.S. officials, who had an active warrant for his arrest. Adolfo, originally from Hollister, California, was transferred to Tijuana and then handed over to U.S. authorities at the San Ysidro border crossing. The Riverside County incident involved a shooting that left one man dead and another injured.
Public SafetyPolice Warn of Kia Car Thefts in Brownsville
The Brownsville Police Department has issued a warning regarding a rise in Kia vehicle thefts, particularly targeting models from 2018 and later. To help prevent these crimes, they recommend that owners use steering wheel locks, known as 'clubs,' which serve as an additional deterrent for thieves. Residents are also urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity around vehicles by calling 911 immediately.
Public SafetyAuthorities Dismantle Alleged Safe House for Human Trafficking in Laredo
Authorities in Laredo have dismantled an alleged safe house used for human trafficking. During the operation, a U.S. citizen was arrested along with five undocumented individuals from Honduras, Mexico, and Guatemala. The U.S. Border Patrol reported that such houses are often used by criminal organizations to temporarily hide people before moving them to other locations in the country. The identities of those detained have not been disclosed by the Border Patrol.
Public SafetyFireworks Sold in the U.S. Pulled from Shelves Just Before July 4th
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of two popular types of fireworks sold nationwide just before the July 4 celebrations. The recalled products, both from Winco, were pulled from the market on July 2 due to risks of tipping over or malfunctioning, which could lead to serious injuries. One item is the Unity 7 Shot 200 Gram Aerial Cake Firework, sold between January and May 2026 for $6 to $8. Approximately 87,120 units are affected. Consumers are advised to stop using these fireworks and return them for a full refund. Additionally, Winco is recalling 13,500 units of Roman Candles 8 Shot Firework Devices, also due to malfunction risks. No injuries have been reported related to these recalls.
Public SafetyFather charged in high-speed rollover crash: Alamo police
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A father accused of being behind the wheel during a high-speed rollover crash involving a tractor-trailer in Alamo was charged on Thursday. Francisco Davila Jr. was charged with four counts of child endangerment. A judge set bail at $200,000, according to Sgt. Cesar Ortiz with the Alamo Police Department. The crash
Public SafetyCaught with 121 pounds of meth, Roma man pleads guilty
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Acxel Marquez’s story just didn’t add up. On the morning of March 8 — just a few hours after midnight — Marquez crossed the bridge from Miguel Aleman to Roma in a gray Ford Explorer. Marquez told U.S. Customs and Border Protection he planned to park the SUV behind a bank
Public SafetyAmber Alert issued for missing Odessa 11-month-old
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - The Texas Department of Public Safety has issued an Amber Alert for an 11 month-old boy who is believed to be with a 20-year-old woman. The two were last seen on the 7000 block of West Westmoor Road in Odessa, Texas on June 30 at 10:00 AM. 11-month-old Maverick Young has
Public SafetyCBP Seizes $3.7 Million in Cocaine at Hidalgo Port of Entry
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Pharr International Bridge seized cocaine worth $3,723,654 during an enforcement action on June 24. The officers inspected a commercial tractor trailer that was declared to be carrying cucumbers. A canine alert and an imaging scan revealed suspicious anomalies, leading to the discovery of 112 packages containing 126.5 kilograms (278.88 lbs.) of suspected cocaine. Port Director Carlos Rodriguez emphasized the ongoing vigilance of CBP in combating drug trafficking. The narcotics, along with the tractor and trailer, were seized, and a criminal investigation has been initiated by Homeland Security Investigations.
Public SafetyForeign National Sentenced to Prison for Decades Long Identity Theft Scheme
A 63-year-old Mexican national, Ana Silvia Garcia, has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for theft of government funds and aggravated identity theft in Houston. Garcia illegally used a U.S. citizen's Social Security number since 1992, submitting immigration petitions and receiving over $278,000 in disability and Medicare benefits. U.S. District Judge Charles R. Eskridge emphasized the intentional nature of her crimes, despite her lack of prior offenses. Garcia is also required to pay $278,385 in restitution to the Social Security Administration and will face deportation after her prison term. She has been in custody since her arrest in February.