Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public Safety40-Year Prison Term for Former School Board President Convicted of Child Exploitation
Jerry James Svatek Jr., a 61-year-old former president of the Boling Independent School District Board, has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for child exploitation and possession of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. handed down the sentence after Svatek pleaded guilty in December 2025. The court heard that he had shared explicit images of a family relative in an online community. In addition to his prison term, Svatek must pay $78,500 in restitution and will be on supervised release for life, with restrictions on internet access and contact with children. He was identified during an undercover investigation into child sexual abuse material.
Public SafetyCelebrating Law Enforcement Excellence At TGIA Conference
At the 35th Annual Texas Gang Investigators Association (TGIA) Conference in San Antonio, Governor Greg Abbott honored exceptional law enforcement professionals during an awards ceremony. He thanked officers for their dedication to public safety and emphasized Texas's commitment to combatting gang activity through initiatives like the establishment of ten Anti-Gang Centers and a strong bail reform package. Award recipients included Peace Officer of the Year Josh Cisneros, Corrections Officer of the Year Kimberly Yearwood, and others. The Governor also recognized scholarship recipients who help officers attend the conference, highlighting the importance of continued education in law enforcement.
Public SafetyUpdate on Medical Condition of Child Ejected from Vehicle in Alamo Accident
Alamo Police reported that the 5-year-old boy injured in the accident involving a Dodge Durango and a tractor-trailer remains in stable condition, according to the latest information provided by Alamo police. The accident occurred west of Expressway 83 in Alamo when a tractor-trailer struck a Dodge Durango. According to the investigation, the driver of the tractor-trailer fled the scene. As a result of the impact, the child was ejected from the vehicle and suffered severe traumatic brain injury.
Public SafetyNo major injuries reported after vehicle fires in rural Cameron County
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — No major injuries were reported after three vehicles caught fire in rural Cameron County over the weekend. According to the Los Fresnos Fire Department, at approximately 1:09 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to a vehicle rollover with multiple vehicles on fire. When fire officials arrived at the scene, they found three vehicles on
Public SafetyProbation for Man Who Killed Cat in Mission
Alec Omar Espericueta, accused of brutally killing a cat in Mission, was sentenced to 10 years of probation and must donate $3,000 to an animal shelter as part of the case resolution. The incident occurred in April 2025 in the parking lot of a gym in Mission. A witness reported the case to authorities after witnessing the event. The witness stated that Espericueta, 20, trapped the cat, placed it in a plastic bag, and allegedly struck it repeatedly against a surface and the pavement. The prosecution claimed he then used a rock and stomped on its head, causing its death. Following the sentencing, Den Dea Balli, executive director of the Palm Valley Animal Society (PAWS), expressed that the judge's decision sends an important message against animal cruelty. They also reiterated the call to report any acts of animal cruelty so that such crimes can be investigated and punished.
Public SafetyHow Automated License Plate Tech Helped Texas DPS Crack a Houston AMBER Alert
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has successfully located two missing children, Escarleth Vasquez, 15, and Alejandro Vasquez, 1, following a statewide AMBER Alert issued from Bexar County. The investigation began on June 22, 2026, at the request of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Utilizing Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR), investigators tracked a suspect vehicle to an apartment complex in Houston, where the children were found safe on June 25. The investigation is ongoing, and DPS appreciates the public's assistance in responding to the alert.
Public SafetyAfter high-speed chase near Roma, man accused of smuggling marijuana pleads not guilty
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man accused of smuggling nearly 500 pounds of marijuana through Starr County pleaded not guilty last week. David Garcia, 27, of Zapata waived his right to arraignment on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty. The Texas Department of Public Safety arrested Garcia after a high-speed chase, according to the criminal complaint
Public SafetyDisturbing: Worker Finds Newborn Remains in Portable Bathroom at Music Festival
The remains of a newborn baby were discovered on Sunday in a bathroom at a music festival in Michigan, as investigators seek public assistance to clarify this disturbing case, authorities reported. The body 'of a newborn was found in a portable bathroom located in the camping area of the Electric Forest festival on Sunday morning,' the Michigan State Police stated in a release. According to authorities, a worker from the company responsible for maintaining the bathrooms made the grim discovery during a routine inspection. The four-day festival took place at the Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury, about 60 miles northwest of Grand Rapids.
Public SafetyDeath investigation underway in Rancho Viejo
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Rancho Viejo Police Department is investigating a death that occurred within the town, the department said Monday morning. Investigators continue to process the scene. Police said there is no danger to the public and the community is safe. The public is being asked to avoid the area to allow law
Public Safety'Our goal is compliance and safety': Brownsville mayor on Midtown Entertainment District shutdowns
Editor's note: The video above is from previous coverage. HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In a statement on Sunday, Brownsville Mayor John Cowen said the city's priority is safety following the recent shutdown of several businesses in the Midtown Entertainment District. According to Mayor Cowen, during peak nightlife hours from Jan. 1, 2025, through June 24, 2026,
Public SafetyCBP Officers Seize More than $72.3M in Meth at Laredo Ports of Entry
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Laredo ports seized over $72.3 million worth of methamphetamine in two operations on June 19. The first seizure involved 7,047.73 pounds of meth hidden in a 2011 Dodge Ram at the World Trade Bridge, valued at approximately $63 million. The second seizure at Pharr International Bridge involved 1,042.78 pounds of meth, worth about $9.3 million, found in a tractor trailer from Reynosa, Mexico. Both operations highlight the ongoing drug threat and the commitment of CBP officers to border security, with investigations initiated by Homeland Security Investigations.
Public SafetyMan Sought for Alleged Theft at Harlingen Academy Store
The Harlingen ‘Area Crime Stoppers’ organization released an image of a suspect connected to a theft that occurred at an Academy store in Harlingen. They are asking anyone who recognizes him or has information about his identity or whereabouts to contact them. Reports can be made completely anonymously, and if the information provided leads to an arrest, the person may be eligible for a reward. Those wishing to assist can call (956) 425-TIPS (8477), submit their tip through the website www.425TIPS.com, or use the P3 Tips app.
Public SafetyDeath of Individual in Rancho Viejo Home Under Investigation
The Rancho Viejo Police Department is investigating a death reported at 7:30 a.m. involving a man found lying at the entrance of a residence located in the 700 block of Zapata Avenue. According to authorities, the adult man was found unconscious and, after being evaluated by emergency medical personnel, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Rancho Viejo Police stated that the investigation is ongoing and that Texas Rangers are assisting in the efforts to determine the circumstances and cause of death. They also indicated that they will provide updates on the case as the investigation progresses.
Public SafetyDeath of Person Under Investigation in Rancho Viejo
The Rancho Viejo Police Department is investigating a death that occurred within the city limits and assured residents that they can remain calm; the investigation began shortly after 6:00 AM on Monday, June 29. Authorities have asked the public to avoid the area to allow security personnel to carry out their work without interruptions. The investigation is ongoing, and more details about the case will be released in the coming hours.
Public SafetyCrocodile Kills Man at Tourist Beach in Mexico in Front of US Couple on Vacation
The incident occurred at Marina Vallarta beach, near the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa, around 6:30 p.m., according to the Jalisco State Police. The man was only identified as a 28-year-old Mexican who was in Puerto Vallarta for work. Jamie Yetter, her fiancé Chris Bury, and their teenage daughter were staying at the hotel. The three were in the hotel pool when they heard screams coming from the beach. 'We thought we saw a man caught in a rip current, so Chris ran toward the water and I followed right behind him,' Yetter told NBC Los Angeles. Bury said he jumped into a kayak, without a paddle, in a quick attempt to reach the man and help him. 'There were no paddles. There was really nothing on the beach to help. We were improvising, trying to do what we could,' Bury said. 'I was in the kayak just when he got pulled under.' The victim was located in the water more than 12 hours later and was recovered early Saturday morning, confirmed the Jalisco State Police to NBCLA. By Saturday morning, less than a day after the attack, people were swimming in the same area of the sea with their families. Yetter shared that there are signs on the path to the beach from the hotel warning about jellyfish, stingrays, and crocodiles in the water, but noted that her family thought the image of a crocodile was that of an iguana. NBCLA reached out to the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa, which did not comment on the attack but is awaiting a response from its corporate office regarding the incident. The attack on Friday occurred near the same beach where two men from Colorado were attacked by a crocodile in July 2022.
Public SafetyInvestigation Underway After Body Found in Decomposed State in La Villa
Authorities in La Villa are investigating the discovery of a decomposed body found on a property along Highway 107, east of Mile 2. The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office reported that the body was in an advanced state of decomposition. Investigators are working to determine the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the death. The identity of the individual has not yet been confirmed. The Sheriff's Office encourages anyone with information about this case to contact them at (956) 383-8114. Those wishing to remain anonymous can reach out to Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers at (956) 668-TIPS (8477) or through the P3 Tips app.
Public SafetyFM 755 Section in Starr County Reopened After Tractor-Trailer Rollover
The FM 755 roadway in Starr County has reopened after being closed for several hours due to a tractor-trailer accident. The incident occurred between Kelsy Bass Road and FM 1017, prompting the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to manage traffic while emergency crews removed the overturned truck and scattered construction materials from the road. Cleanup efforts were completed around 1:00 a.m., allowing traffic to resume normally.
Public SafetyBrownsville nightlife area racked up 576 incidents in less than two years, mayor says
Brownsville Mayor John Cowen reported that the Midtown Entertainment District experienced 576 incidents from January 1, 2025, to June 24, 2026, leading to 158 arrests. This spike in calls for service during nightlife hours has prompted the city to revoke occupancy certificates for several businesses due to code violations. A temporary restraining order has allowed these establishments to reopen while a hearing is set for July 8. Cowen emphasized the city's focus on compliance and public safety, noting that violations included underage drinking and drug possession, costing the city approximately $25,000 monthly in safety resources.
Public SafetySeveral Valley fire departments respond to fire that destroyed Edinburg home
A fire that broke out on Sunday around 1 p.m. destroyed a home in Edinburg, located on the 3300 block of East Ingle Road. Multiple fire departments from the Rio Grande Valley, including those from McAllen, Pharr, San Manuel, and Edcouch, assisted the Edinburg Fire Department in controlling the blaze. Fire crews are still on-site addressing hot spots, a task expected to take several hours. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, according to a city spokesperson.