Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyStarr County gangster pleads guilty to robbing game rooms
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man who allegedly served as a “sergeant” in the Texas Chicano Brotherhood pleaded guilty Wednesday to robbing two game rooms in Starr County. Bobby Joe Rosa — who is known as “Psycho” — participated in a conspiracy to rob two game rooms in March 2024. “Mr. Rosa, were these facts
Public SafetyFBI Increases Reward in Search for Suspect in 2021 Killing of National Guard Member
The FBI has increased the reward to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest of Joseph Matos, wanted for the July 3, 2021, murder of Army National Guard member Chrys Carvajal in Chicago. Carvajal, 19, was shot while leaving a party, with authorities alleging that Matos and another gang member targeted him to boost their gang status. Despite extensive investigations and media outreach, Matos remains at large. The FBI believes someone is helping him evade capture and encourages the public to report any information. Tips can be submitted anonymously at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Public SafetyRio Grande City police ask for help locating missing teen
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Rio Grande City Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a teen who has been missing since June 9. Police say Nathaly Cantu, 19, was last seen in the Los Treviños area wearing a black shirt and black shorts. Cantu is 5 feet, 3 inches tall and
Public SafetyThird Suspect in Serious Alamo Accident Receives Bail and Formal Charges
Francisco Dávila Jr., accused in the accident that occurred on June 19 on Highway 83 in Alamo, appeared before a judge for his arraignment as part of the judicial process. Dávila was charged with endangerment of a child with imminent bodily injury, classified as a second-degree felony. The judge also set his bail at $50,000. Dávila's appearance follows last week's court appearance by Vianney Rodríguez, the mother of the injured child, who also faced charges related to the incident in which a 5-year-old boy was hurt.
Public SafetyMultiple crashes slow down traffic on Alamo expressway
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Multiple crashes slowed down traffic on both eastbound and westbound lanes of the expressway in Alamo on Thursday morning. According to the Alamo Fire Department, several people from different crashes were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Alamo Fire Chief Roman Flores said that crews are preparing to clear the
Public SafetyCuban National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Human Smuggling Operation
Juan Manuel Sifontes-Sinales, a 29-year-old Cuban national residing in Houston, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for his role in a human smuggling operation. He pleaded guilty to transporting illegal aliens, having been caught at a Border Patrol checkpoint near Sarita on October 17, 2025. Authorities discovered 19 undocumented individuals hidden behind a false wall in his truck, lacking basic necessities. Investigations revealed Sifontes-Sinales was linked to a broader smuggling network that had moved over 25 illegal aliens. Following his prison term, he faces deportation proceedings. The case was part of Operation Take Back America.
Public SafetyTruck Accident Causes Traffic Delays in Alamo
The vehicle accident occurred this morning on Interstate I-2, heading west through Alamo, prompting a significant response from emergency services and authorities. Images from the scene showed a truck that was nearly stranded on the roadway after the incident, and so far, no injuries have been reported.
Public Safety'We'll never know the why': Family friend speaks after Alton man denied bond in fatal shooting
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Hidalgo County judge denied bond Wednesday for 19-year-old Gaurav Chopra on a capital murder charge while setting bail on two additional charges stemming from a deadly June 16 shooting that left three members of his family dead. Chopra appeared in a Hidalgo County courtroom Wednesday morning, where his attorney waived
Public SafetyMission police to crack down on firework use, DWIs on Fourth of July
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Fourth of July is around the corner, and the Mission Police Department is reminding the community about a city ordinance that prohibits the use of fireworks within city limits. Arturo Flores, Public Information Officer with the Mission Police Department, said that violators can face fines of up to $500 for
Public SafetyTexas DPS Wins Top Spot at Uniformed Safety Education Conference
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) excelled at the national Uniformed Safety Education Officers Workshop (USEOW) held in Des Moines, Iowa. This five-day event focused on public safety education for state police officers nationwide. Texas DPS was the only state to secure placements in all four competition categories. Notably, Sergeant Justin Baker, Sergeant Steven Blanco, and Trooper Blake Brieden won first place for their prom safety TV public service announcement, while Sergeant Orlando De Luna Jr. took first for his radio PSA on school bus safety. The workshop emphasizes the importance of educating the public on safety issues.
Public SafetyCBP Halts 57-Pound Meth Shipment at Paso Del Norte Port of Entry
On June 18, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Paso del Norte Port of Entry seized 57.9 pounds of methamphetamine valued at approximately $521,100. The drugs were found hidden in a black SUV during a secondary inspection after a U.S. citizen female attempted to enter the U.S. from Mexico. Both the vehicle and the drugs were confiscated, and the woman was taken into custody by federal authorities. CBP officials emphasized their commitment to combating drug smuggling and enhancing community safety through vigilance and advanced technology.
Public SafetyJohn Allen Rubio to appear in Cameron County court in August, DA says
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Convicted killer John Allen Rubio will soon be back in the Rio Grande Valley. Rubio has been sitting on death row since 2010, after he was found guilty of murdering his three young children: 3-year-old Julissa, one and a half year old John, and two-month-old Mary Jane. His common-law ex-wife, Angela
Public SafetyRio Grande City Police Seek Help to Locate Missing Young Woman
The Rio Grande City Police Department is trying to locate 19-year-old Nathaly Cantú, who was reported missing in the Los Treviños area. According to authorities, she was last seen on June 9, wearing a black t-shirt and black shorts. Police are asking anyone with information about Nathaly Cantú's whereabouts, no matter how small, to contact them immediately at (956) 487-8892.
Public Safety'Infested zones,' new screwworm cases have border residents on edge
Ranchers and residents attended an information session Tuesday in Rio Grande City, Texas, to learn about new infestation zones and surveillance zones in STarr County, after a calf was found infected with New World screwworm on Saturday in neighboring Jim Hogg County.
Public Safety$250K bail for Alton man accused in shooting deaths of family
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A 19-year-old man accused of shooting and killing his father, mother and grandmother inside their Alton home appeared before a judge Wednesday morning. Gaurav Chopra, 19, of Alton, was previously being held without bond after being charged with capital murder of multiple persons and attempt to commit capital murder in connection
Public SafetyJudge Denies Bail to Gaurav Chopra, Accused of Triple Homicide in Alton
Gaurav Chopra, a 19-year-old former student at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), appeared in court on July 1 regarding a triple homicide case in Alton. During the hearing, his defense requested bail, but the judge denied the request, meaning Chopra will remain in Hidalgo County Jail without bail as the legal proceedings continue. Family members of the victims were present in the courtroom during the hearing. The next hearing is scheduled for Monday, July 6, at 1:00 p.m. in Court 398, where Judge Keno Vázquez will listen to witness testimonies as part of the case.
Public SafetyMan hospitalized after crash on State Highway 107 near La Villa
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A man was hospitalized on Tuesday following a crash near La Villa. The La Villa Fire Department was dispatched to the crash site on the corner of FM 1425 and State Highway 107. La Villa fire crews shared images of the crash site on its social media page. The images show
Public Safety'Illegally confined': Hearing set to determine course of Alton triple-homicide case
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A hearing is scheduled for a 19-year-old man accused of shooting and killing his father, mother and grandmother inside their Alton home. Gaurav Chopra is currently being held without bond at the Hidalgo County Jail after he was charged with capital murder in the deaths of Sweeta Ram, 56; Kamlesh Rani,
Public SafetyJudge considers motion to dismiss wrongful death lawsuit against energy drink distributors
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A judge in Hidalgo County held a hearing on a motion to dismiss the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Weslaco teenager Larissa Rodriguez against the local distributors of a popular energy drink. The lawsuit has captured national attention and was cited as a driving factor in Texas Attorney General