Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyHow Did the Man Who Got Trapped in an Escalator Die? This Reveals the Investigation
The family of a Boston man is demanding answers and accountability following the death of 40-year-old Steven McCluskey, who became trapped in an escalator at a MBTA station in Somerville, Massachusetts. Surveillance footage obtained by Telemundo New England shows that several minutes passed before anyone alerted emergency services. The tragic incident occurred shortly before 5:00 a.m. on February 27, when McCluskey was descending an escalator at the Davis station and lost his balance at the bottom; he then fell to the ground and did not get back up.
Public SafetyState Troopers to Increase Patrols for Seat Belt Use
In the coming weeks, law enforcement agencies in Texas will increase patrols to identify drivers and passengers not wearing seat belts. This initiative is part of the 'Click It or Ticket' campaign, running from May 18 to 31, aimed at promoting driver safety. Authorities emphasize that wearing a seat belt can be the difference between life and death in an accident. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), 965 people died in Texas traffic accidents in 2025 due to not wearing seat belts. The campaign also reminds that children under 8 must use a special seat or booster unless they are over 4 feet 9 inches tall.
Public SafetyBodies of at least two minors found in burning car in San Antonio, police say
San Antonio police are investigating the discovery of two to three charred bodies, believed to be school-aged children, found in a burning vehicle at a warehouse parking lot on Friday. The fire was reported between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. near 512 Richland Hills Dr. A witness walking their dog saw the flames and alerted authorities. The San Antonio Fire Department extinguished the fire and discovered the bodies inside the vehicle. One victim is likely a preschool-aged child. A 34-year-old woman was taken for questioning due to her statements linking her to the vehicle. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
Public SafetyTwo Arrested for Drug Possession During Traffic Stop in Raymondville
Two individuals were arrested during a drug operation on May 12 in Raymondville, Texas. The Willacy County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop at a Murphy USA gas station on FM 490, where they discovered several controlled substances. Alexandro Puga Sr., 41, was found with approximately 13.1 grams of crack, 2.1 grams of methamphetamine, and 0.26 ounces of marijuana. He faces charges for manufacturing and distributing controlled substances, possession of controlled substances, and a warrant for violating bail conditions related to methamphetamine. Yazmine Villarreal, 22, was also arrested for possession of controlled substances and marijuana. Both are held at the Willacy County Jail as the investigation continues.
Public SafetyFormer Grandma’s Daycare manager arrested again for child injury case
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A woman who formerly managed a daycare that closed its doors following a child injury investigation was arrested for a second time. Alma Garza Enriquez was arrested in Edinburg on Thursday for failure to report a felony. Enriquez was issued a $10,000 personal recognizance bond and released from jail shortly after her
Public SafetyMan who threatened ‘lights out’ for ICE agent pleads guilty to federal harassment charge
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man who threatened a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent pleaded guilty to a federal harassment charge Thursday. After watching the agent raid a taqueria, Anastacio Castillo De Leon, 46, of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, said he would “look him up and then lights out.” “Are these facts stated all
Public SafetyCameron County gets $1. 2 million to build flood early warning system
Cameron County has received a $1.2 million grant to establish a flood early warning system, as announced by the Texas Water Development Board. This funding will support the planning, design, construction, and activation of a flood monitoring network featuring 18 stations. Currently, eight stations are operational and will be fully activated, while an additional ten stations will be installed to enhance monitoring capabilities. County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. emphasized that this initiative is crucial for safeguarding residents against severe weather and flooding, providing timely information that can save lives and improve emergency responses.
Public Safety2 arrested in Raymondville crack, meth seizure: Sheriff
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Willacy County authorities arrested two people and seized crack cocaine, meth, and marijuana after a traffic stop in Raymondville on Tuesday. The traffic stop happened at about 7:43 p.m. at the Murphy USA gas station located on the 14000 block of FM 490 after a deputy spotted a man with active
Public SafetyDaycare Administrator Faces New Charge in Edinburg
Alma Enríquez Garza, 58, the administrator of a daycare, is now facing a new charge related to an ongoing investigation in Edinburg. Garza appeared in Edinburg Municipal Court, where she was charged with failing to report a felony, which is considered a misdemeanor. During the hearing, she was granted a personal recognizance bond of $10,000. Enríquez Garza was already facing a previous charge for allegedly tampering with evidence, for which she had been given a $15,000 bond.
Public Safety'Horseplay' or abuse? New details emerge in Ramón Ayala Jr. lawsuits
HIDALGO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Back-to-back press conferences on Wednesday brought new developments in the lawsuits filed against Ramón Ayala Jr., as attorneys on both sides presented sharply conflicting accounts of what happened inside the band’s tour environment. The cases, which involve allegations of sexual misconduct and workplace abuse, now also name legendary norteño singer Ramón
Public SafetyClick It or Ticket: Law Enforcement Cracks Down on Unbelted Drivers
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is intensifying efforts to encourage seat belt use among drivers and passengers through the 'Click It or Ticket' campaign. Starting May 18, law enforcement will increase patrols to enforce seat belt laws, which require all occupants to buckle up or face fines up to $200. In 2025, 965 unbuckled individuals died in traffic accidents in Texas. TxDOT emphasizes that wearing a seat belt can be the difference between life and death. Since 2002, the campaign has saved over 8,600 lives and prevented numerous injuries, promoting safe driving habits across the state.
Public SafetyUnidentified Remains Found in the Case of Child Noel Rodríguez in Texas
TEXAS – Authorities stated that there will be justice for child Noel Rodríguez, but first they must confirm the identity of the human remains found in the backyard of the home in Everman, Tarrant County, where he lived until his disappearance in November 2022. In a press conference, they explained that the investigation will continue, and it will be the county's Medical Examiner's office that will conduct the identification. However, the process will take some time. When asked by the media, authorities mentioned that they would not share further details to avoid hindering the investigation. They believe the remains found will significantly help in resolving this case and hope for justice to be served. On Wednesday, staff from the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office and FBI agents returned to the backyard of the residence to continue the excavation they had left off four years ago. They explained that trained dogs had sniffed certain areas, which is where they focused until they found the remains. Images taken from our Telemundo 39 helicopter captured the moment officials placed a 'material' wrapped in a blue tarp into a truck. The vehicle left the residence and stopped at the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office. Authorities indicated that the investigation is active. RETURNING TO EVERMAN AFTER 4 YEARS The search took place on Tuesday around a home located on Wisteria Drive following the alleged murder of the minor, Noel Rodríguez, in the Everman area. Everman Police Chief Al Brooks told Telemundo 39/NBC 5 that the search in the 3700 block of Wisteria Drive constitutes another phase of the investigation into the disappearance of Noel Rodríguez and charges of his murder against the child's mother, Cindy Rodríguez. According to Brooks, there are no new leads or information that led them to this location, but on Tuesday investigators were seen reviewing and excavating in the backyard of a home. On Tuesday, investigators were observed conducting searches and excavations in the backyard of a residence. NBC 5 teams reported seeing a vehicle from the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office, along with FBI personnel. Rodríguez, 6 years old, was reported missing for the first time in 2023, according to police. However, the investigation also indicated that he was last seen in the fall of 2022. In April 2026, a psychiatric evaluation indicated that Cindy Rodríguez Singh is incompetent to stand trial, according to records from a district court.
Public SafetyAuthorities Seek Suspect for Scratching Vehicle in Brownsville
Brownsville police are searching for a suspect who intentionally scratched a victim's vehicle during a parking dispute. The incident was captured on surveillance cameras, and authorities warn that while parking spaces are temporary, criminal charges are not. They urge anyone who recognizes the suspect to contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 546-tips or submit information anonymously at www.p3tips.com.
Public SafetyAttorneys for Ramon Ayala respond to sexual assault lawsuits filed against him and his son
Ramon Ayala Jr. faces a fourth sexual assault lawsuit, with three former band members accusing him of repeated harassment and assault during a 2024-2025 tour. Allegations include drug and alcohol abuse, inappropriate exposure, and sexual misconduct. Attorney Tony Buzbee, representing the plaintiffs, called for an investigation, stating they possess evidence to support their claims. Meanwhile, Ayala Sr.'s legal team held a press conference to counter the accusations, claiming the lawsuits are baseless and a 'shakedown.' They presented a recording where one accuser denied witnessing any abuse. No hearing date for the lawsuits has been set yet.
Public SafetyMercedes man charged with murder in connection with fentanyl overdose
A 28-year-old man from Mercedes, Bryan Alexis Cedillo, has been charged with murder following a fentanyl overdose incident. The Weslaco Police Department reported that Cedillo delivered fentanyl-laced drugs to a 25-year-old man who was found dead on February 14, 2026, in the 600 block of Park Place. Cedillo faces multiple charges, including possession of a controlled substance and abandonment of a child, with a bond set at over $1.5 million. During his arrest, police seized fentanyl, marijuana, THC products, Xanax tablets, and drug packaging materials from his home. Authorities warn the community about the dangers of illegal narcotics.
Public SafetyMan accused of scratching car over parking spot
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department is asking for the public's assistance to identify a man accused of scratching a vehicle after a dispute over a parking spot. A spokesperson for the Brownsville Police Department said the unidentified man is facing a charge of criminal mischief. Police publicly shared surveillance images of the man
Public SafetyPolice: Man found dead in Harlingen hotel, foul play not suspected
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man was found dead at a Harlingen hotel on Wednesday, according to a spokesperson for the Harlingen Police Department. Harlingen police say the man was found in his room at the Hampton Inn, located off Ed Carey Drive. No foul play is suspected at this time. An autopsy has been
Public SafetyHighway renamed to honor slain San Benito Lieutenant Milton Resendez
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Family and first responders gathered in San Benito on Tuesday for the unveiling of a highway renamed to honor a slain San Benito police lieutenant. A portion of Sam Houston Street was renamed to the Lieutenant Milton Resendez Memorial Highway. Resendez was killed in the line of duty on Oct. 17,
Public SafetyMcAllen approves new emergency alert system to reach all residents
McAllen is implementing a new emergency alert system designed to send notifications directly to residents' phones during critical situations such as hurricanes and tornadoes. The city council approved the system, which will cost approximately $40,000 annually. Jeff Johnston, the Assistant City Manager and Emergency Management Coordinator, stated that the system can broadcast alerts citywide or target specific neighborhoods, and it will also share updates on social media. Additionally, the system has the capability to override cellphones for urgent notifications. McAllen aims to have the system operational within the next few weeks.