Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyValley county judges meet to address New World screwworm threat
County judges from the Rio Grande Valley convened on Monday to discuss the threat posed by the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly affecting warm-blooded animals. Currently, there are nearly 2,000 active cases in Mexico, with 200 near the Texas border, but no cases reported in the U.S. Officials stressed the importance of awareness and prevention, noting that the screwworm can lead to severe livestock losses if untreated. The USDA is constructing a multi-million dollar facility at Moore Air Base to produce sterile flies to combat this threat. Pet owners are advised to treat and cover wounds on their animals.
Public SafetyMan tries to steal McAllen police unit during arrest: Police
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A police officer fired his weapon on Sunday while responding to a disturbance in which an alleged knife-wielding man attempted to steal a police unit. Julian Martinez, 33, of Beeville, is facing charges of evading arrest, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and duty on striking an unattended
Public SafetyTxDOT: Overnight closures in Edinburg, Brownsville, San Benito and Mission
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Overnight lane and ramp closures are planned for four Valley cities as crews work to replace overhead interstate signs, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. TxDOT advises drivers in Edinburg, Brownsville, San Benito, and Mission to plan for delays from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on select days, starting Tuesday, May
Public SafetyMan Arrested for Distributing Drugs in Brownsville Home
A 28-year-old man named Brandon Durán was arrested in Brownsville for drug distribution at a residence on Joseph Street. The arrest occurred on May 15 after authorities received an anonymous tip about drug activities. Following a search warrant, officers seized approximately 11.7 ounces of marijuana and 184 grams of cocaine. Durán faces charges for possession of marijuana and manufacturing or distributing a controlled substance, according to the Cameron County Sheriff's Office report.
Public SafetyShooting Reported at Mosque in San Diego
Authorities are responding to a reported shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, located in Clairemont. Police have deployed to the scene and are actively searching for a shooter. Residents are advised to stay indoors as the situation unfolds. The San Diego Police Department is urging the public to avoid the area while updates are provided. Local news outlets, including Telemundo 20 and NBC 7, have teams on-site gathering the latest information. Further details will be shared as they become available.
Public SafetyCostco Recalls Patio Furniture After Multiple Injury Reports
A popular patio swing sold at Costco is being recalled, and customers are warned to stop using it "immediately" after multiple injuries were reported due to parts detaching. The recall notice for the Agio-Menlo patio swing was issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on May 14. Costco sent recall notices to its members on the same day. According to the recall, the swing can detach from its frame while in use, posing a "risk of serious injury or death" from falls. Up to 18,500 units sold at Costco between February 2026 and March 2026 have been recalled. The swings, made by World Bright International, feature a black metal frame, black metal swing arms, a fabric cover, and a brown synthetic rattan padded seat. The notice indicated that they were sold exclusively at Costco, with the serial number 1934256. The recall notice reported eight cases where the swing seats detached from the frame, resulting in eight injury reports, including head and arm injuries. "You must stop using the swing immediately," the Costco notice stated, advising customers to contact World Bright for replacement hooks. A safety notice about the recall, posted on the Agio brand's website, described the recall as voluntary. "On behalf of ourselves and Costco, we want to thank you for your support and cooperation, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this recall may cause," the Agio notice stated.
Public SafetyDaytime lane closures for San Benito, Harlingen for sign work
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — San Benito and Harlingen drivers are advised to take alternative routes as daytime lane closures are planned this week for sign work, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. The I-69E northbound FM509 (Exit 22) in San Benito will be closed as crews install new digital message boards. On Tuesday, the
Public SafetyMan Arrested for Knife Threats in McAllen
A 33-year-old man, Julian Randall Martínez, was arrested in McAllen on May 17 after allegedly threatening several individuals with a knife on Newport Avenue. During the arrest, he attempted to flee by climbing into a patrol car, prompting an officer to discharge their firearm. Martínez now faces multiple charges, including evading arrest, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and duty in an accident with an unattended vehicle. His arraignment will be scheduled by the McAllen Municipal Court.
Public SafetyJudge Allows Weapon and Notebook of Luigi Mangione to Be Used in Trial
A New York judge has authorized prosecutors to use a weapon and a notebook found in Luigi Mangione's backpack as evidence in his trial for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Judge Gregory Carro dismissed defense claims that the items were obtained illegally before police secured a warrant. This ruling is a significant win for prosecutors, who believe the 3D-printed gun is the murder weapon and the notebook contains references to targeting a healthcare executive. Mangione, 28, has pleaded not guilty and is set to stand trial on September 8, with federal proceedings to follow. If convicted, he faces life in prison.
Public SafetyThree teenagers arrested for multiple shootings in Austin that left four injured
Three teenagers have been arrested in Austin, Texas, following a series of at least 10 random shootings over the weekend that left four people injured. The suspects, aged 15 and 17, were apprehended after being caught in a stolen vehicle. They allegedly fired at two fire stations, apartment buildings, and homes while driving around the city in stolen cars. Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for residents in a large area of South Austin, which was lifted after the suspects were captured. One victim is in critical condition, and the police noted that the shootings appeared to be random with no specific motive identified.
Public SafetySpaceX targets new launch date for 12th Starship flight test
SpaceX has announced a new target date for the 12th flight test of its Starship, scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, with a launch window beginning at 5:30 p.m. This event will necessitate temporary closures of State Highway 4 and Boca Chica Beach. The company will collaborate with local law enforcement to establish a safety perimeter around the launch site. It's important to note that the targeted dates may be subject to change due to various factors. The city of Starbase will provide public notifications regarding the temporary closures of the beach and highway.
Public SafetyLIVE: APD gives update on suspects, investigation into 10 south Austin shootings
Austin police issued an emergency shelter-in-place alert for residents within a defined area in South Austin due to an ongoing law enforcement incident, authorities said.
Public Safety'Hide the drinks': McAllen couple accused of providing alcohol to minors in prom after-party: DOCS
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A McAllen couple reportedly provided alcoholic drinks to approximately 22 minors at a prom-afterparty, according to an offense report obtained by ValleyCentral. On May 10, John Michael, 60, and Tina Marie McIntyre, 55, were arrested on charges of furnishing alcohol to a minor, a Class A misdemeanor, according to the Hidalgo County
Public SafetyMan dies in single-vehicle rollover, investigation underway
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Fire Department responded to an overnight single-vehicle rollover crash. According to a Brownsville Fire Department spokesperson, crews responded to the crash approximately 3 a.m. on Toll Road 550 and Padre Island Highway. At the scene, a 22-year-old man sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital. According to
Public SafetyMcAllen armed robbery suspects accused of stealing victim Nike shoes, Coach watch
Two suspects, Andoni Garcia and Luis Armando Jasso Jr., are accused of armed robbery in McAllen after allegedly stealing Nike shoes and a Coach watch from a victim. The incident occurred on April 30 at an apartment on North McColl Road. The victim was lured to the location to retrieve a cellphone when the suspects threatened them with handguns. Garcia surrendered to police on May 15, facing aggravated robbery charges with a $100,000 bond. Jasso Jr. remains at large, described as 5'10" and 195 pounds. Police urge anyone with information to contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at 956-687-8477.
Public Safety'The Crime': Part 1 of Rubio murders special airs Tuesday
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Perhaps the most horrific case in Cameron County remains unresolved for many, as killer John Allen Rubio awaits his execution. In a three-part series, CBS 4's Daisy Martinez walks viewers through the unimaginable murders of three children who were decapitated by their own parents in 2003. The crime scarred the community
Public SafetyBrownsville Wing Barn location cleans up roach violations in failed inspection
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In a puro Que Asco Edition of CBS4's Food 4 Thought, the Food Patrol's Derick Garcia and photojournalist Jerry Salinas visited two restaurants with roach violations on their inspection reports. Ocean Buffet at 2921 Boca Chica Blvd in Brownsville failed a Jan. 8 inspection with a score of 69. The inspector noted a substantial
Public Safety23-year-old motorcyclist dies in Harlingen crash
A tragic motorcycle accident in Harlingen claimed the life of 23-year-old Ezra Andrea Duke Villafranco from San Benito. The incident occurred on May 15 at approximately 6:20 p.m. at the intersection of San Jose Ranch Road and FM 509. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Villafranco was riding a Kawasaki ER-6 motorcycle and was passing vehicles in a no-passing zone when he collided with a Toyota Tacoma that was turning left onto FM 509. Villafranco was transported to Valley Baptist Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
Public SafetyEdinburg mother charged in San Antonio with capital murder, arson in children deaths
Marlene Vidal, a 34-year-old mother from Edinburg, has been charged with two counts of capital murder and one count of arson in connection with the deaths of her two children in San Antonio. She was arraigned on Saturday, with a bond set at $2.1 million—$1 million for each murder charge and $100,000 for arson. The children, aged 5 and 7, were found dead in a burning vehicle on Richland Hills Drive. Authorities believe Vidal is solely responsible, and while a motive is unclear, mental health issues may be involved. If released on bail, she will be under house arrest and monitored.