Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyDPS investigates deadly motorcycle crash in Harlingen
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating a two-vehicle crash that left one man dead. At approximately 6:20 p.m. on Friday, DPS troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash on San Jose Ranch Road and FM 509 in Harlingen. According to a news release from DPS, a preliminary investigation determined that a
Public SafetySearch Collectives in Mexico Discover Clandestine Grave with 60 Bags of Human Remains
Guadalajara, Mexico – Search collectives for missing persons in the state of Jalisco (western Mexico) reported on Saturday the discovery of a clandestine burial site in the municipality of El Salto, containing at least 60 bags with human remains and 21 skeletons. Cecilia Flores, a member of the Madres Buscadoras de Jalisco collective, stated that thanks to an anonymous tip, they located a site near a ravine on April 25, where a skull and bones were visible, which had been operating since 2010. "(We have been working) here at this site since April 25, and there hasn't been a day without a positive finding. There are almost 60 bags of remains, in addition to complete and charred bodies, the number of which we do not know," she told the media. Flores warned that the land is near a ravine and that, due to the time it functioned as a burial site, there could be many more bodies of missing victims, even beneath the houses that have recently been built around it. The site is located in a popular neighborhood of El Salto, about three miles from Guadalajara International Airport, one of the three host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Mexico.
Public SafetyCar Hits Pedestrians in Modena, Italy; 8 Injured, 4 Critically
A car struck pedestrians in Modena, Italy, on Saturday, injuring eight people, four of whom are in critical condition. Mayor Massimo Mezzetti reported that no fatalities occurred, but one woman was severely injured and required amputation of both legs. The 31-year-old driver, originally from Bergamo, was arrested and is being questioned by police to determine if he was under the influence or acted intentionally. Witnesses reported he attempted to flee and was seen holding a knife, but no one was stabbed. Emergency services responded quickly, and the area was cordoned off as victims were treated.
Public SafetyEdinburg mother in custody after children found dead in burning vehicle in San Antonio
Marlene Vidal, a 34-year-old mother from Edinburg, was arrested after her two children, ages 5 and 7, were found dead in a burning vehicle in San Antonio. The incident occurred early Friday morning on Richland Hills Drive. Vidal was present when police arrived, and evidence suggests she is solely responsible for the deaths. Investigators are validating her statements and interviewing family members. A neighbor reported seeing Vidal and her children just days before the tragedy, mentioning they planned to move to Austin. Authorities are exploring potential mental health issues as a factor in the case, which remains under investigation.
Public SafetyProgreso homicide victim identified
The Progreso Police Department is investigating a homicide involving 63-year-old Alexander Valentine Frano. Interim Police Chief Al Perez confirmed the victim's identity. Officers responded to the scene on Friday afternoon, located in the 700 block of FM 88. The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office and Weslaco Fire Department were also present at the site. No further details have been released at this time. This story is still developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Public SafetyHidalgo County law enforcement agencies join TxDOT's 'Click it or Ticket' campaign
HARLINGEN, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — Hidalgo County law enforcement agencies are enforcing seatbelt safety as part of the Texas Department of Transportation's annual Click it or Ticket campaign. From Monday, May 18, to Sunday, May 31, officers will enhance traffic efforts during both regular and overtime assignments to also promote child passenger safety. Officers
Public SafetyFugitive on DPS Top 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender List captured in Nuevo Progreso
NUEVO PROGRESO, México (ValleyCentral) — A fugitive on Texas' 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders list was located and arrested in Nuevo Progreso. Kit Edward Lulow, 42, was captured on May 7 by the U.S. Marshals Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force. The Texas Department of Public Safety said Lulow has been wanted since February for multiple crimes in
Public SafetyMission Police Department adds drones to emergency calls
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — There are now some extra eyes in the skies keeping people living in Mission safe. On Thursday, the Mission Police Department unveiled their latest safety tool - a drone - that not only can respond to emergency situations, but can help during those calls. “We have a drone first responder, first
Public SafetyEdinburg mother arrested after children found dead in burning vehicle in San Antonio
A 34-year-old woman from Edinburg, Marlene Vidal, has been arrested on a capital murder charge after her two children were found dead in a burning vehicle in San Antonio. The incident occurred early Friday morning behind a warehouse on Richland Hills Drive. Authorities discovered the bodies of a 5-year-old and a 7-year-old after extinguishing the fire. Investigators suspect mental health issues may have influenced the tragic event. Evidence, including surveillance footage and statements from Vidal, suggests she is responsible for the children's deaths. The investigation remains active as authorities seek to uncover more details and support those affected.
Public SafetyFormer Sinaloa Security Chief Appears in U.S. Court Accused of Assisting Drug Traffickers
Gerardo Mérida Sánchez, the former Secretary of Public Security for Sinaloa, appeared in a U.S. court after his arrest in Arizona. He is accused of accepting bribes to assist the Sinaloa Cartel in smuggling drugs into the U.S. During his initial hearing in Manhattan, he did not enter a plea and remains in custody, with a future bail hearing possible. Mérida Sánchez is one of ten officials charged by the U.S. last month, facing serious charges including conspiracy to export narcotics and possession of firearms, with potential sentences ranging from 40 years to life. Another former official, Enrique Díaz Vega, has also surrendered to U.S. authorities.
Public SafetyNortheast Texas Most Wanted Sex Offender Captured in Mexico
Kit Edward Lulow, a 42-year-old sex offender on Texas's 10 Most Wanted list, was captured in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico, after evading authorities. He had previously been convicted in Oregon for rape and sexual abuse of a minor and was serving a 75-month sentence. Lulow was arrested in Texas in February 2026 for firearm possession and child pornography but later fled to Mexico. His capture was coordinated by the U.S. Marshals Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force, and he was returned to Texas on May 7, 2026, where he is now held in Hidalgo County Jail.
Public SafetyRoaches and broken knives photographed, found at packed buffet
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 SafetyEdinburg mother charged after children found dead in burning vehicle in San Antonio
An Edinburg woman, Marlene Vidal, 34, has been charged with capital murder after her two children were found dead in a burning vehicle in San Antonio. The incident occurred early Friday morning behind a warehouse on Richland Hills Drive. Authorities discovered the bodies of a 5-year-old and a 7-year-old after extinguishing the fire. While the motive remains unclear, police suggest mental health issues may have contributed. Investigators are analyzing evidence, including surveillance footage and statements from Vidal, who was present at the scene. The investigation continues as authorities seek justice for the victims.
Public SafetyMcAllen armed robbery suspect surrenders to police, second man still wanted
Adoni Garcia, a suspect in an armed robbery in McAllen, has surrendered to the police. He turned himself in on May 15 and is charged with aggravated robbery. Garcia is currently held at the Hidalgo County Jail with a bond set at $100,000. Authorities are still searching for a second suspect, Luis Armando Jasso, who is described as 5'10" tall, weighing around 195 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The robbery took place on May 4 in the 2500 block of North McColl Road. Anyone with information about Jasso should contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at 956-687-8477.
Public SafetyEdinburg mother facing capital murder charges after 2 kids found dead inside burning vehicle in San Antonio: Police
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An Edinburg woman is facing capital murder charges after her two children were found dead inside a burning vehicle in San Antonio early Friday morning, according to the San Antonio Police Department. Marlene Vidal, 34, of Edinburg, told officers she is the children's mother. In a press conference on Friday morning,
Public SafetyBrownsville police search for person of interest in stolen truck investigation
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in identifying a person of interest in a stolen truck investigation. Police shared a photo showing a woman wearing eyeglasses and a light blue shirt, who is a person of interest in the theft of a 2024 Ford F-150. Anyone with
Public SafetyPharr man sentenced to life without parole in 2017 fatal shooting of teen
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Nearly a decade after a home invasion-turned-shooting claimed the life of a 16-year-old boy, a man has been found guilty of capital murder. Ambrosio Rodriguez, 33, of Pharr, was sentenced to life without parole on Monday in the 206th District Court. On May 6, a Hidalgo County jury found Rodriguez guilty
Public SafetyMcAllen man wanted on aggravated robbery charge surrenders to police
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A 30-year-old McAllen man wanted on suspicion of armed robbery surrendered to authorities on Thursday, according to an update from the McAllen Police Department. Andoni Garcia, 30, of McAllen, was arrested on one count of aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony. He was booked into the Hidalgo County jail on Friday on a
Public SafetyEdinburg issues boil water notice after a line break
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Edinburg issued a boil water notice following a water line break between El Cibolo Rd and 0.5 miles North of El Rucio Rd, the city announced on Thursday evening. According to the city, a contractor working in the area struck a main water line and broke it. Residents