Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyDon't Panic: What to Do If a Rip Current Pulls You Out to Sea
SAN DIEGO — For someone being pulled out to sea by a rip current, the phrase 'don't panic' can be hard to follow, even though it's exactly what they should do. Lifeguards say that not only should you relax, but you should also lie on your back and float to get out of danger. Rip currents are one of the biggest hazards along coastlines and are responsible for most beach rescues each year. Approximately 100 people drown annually due to these currents along U.S. beaches, according to the United States Lifesaving Association, a lifeguard organization. More than 80% of annual beach rescues involve rip currents. So far this year, at least 21 people have died from rip currents in U.S. waters, according to the National Weather Service. Here are some important things to know about these currents: Rip currents can be hard to detect. They are narrow columns of water that flow quickly away from the beach. They do not pull swimmers underwater, but they can carry them a considerable distance from shore. 'A rip current is like a river pulling you out to sea,' explained Charlie Knight, a lieutenant with San Diego Lifeguard Services. 'So when the waves come to the beach, the water needs to go somewhere. These little exit channels, which we call rip currents, are needed to return all that water to the ocean.' Low points along the beach or areas near jetties or piers are often where rip currents form. They can be linked to stormy weather, but sometimes occur on sunny days. They can be difficult to detect because the surface water often appears calm. The current can flow at speeds of up to 3.2 meters (8 feet) per second, faster than even a good swimmer can swim, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It is almost impossible to fight against rip currents. The most common advice from beach rescue teams and meteorologists is to 'lie on your back, float, and go with it.' Lying on your back makes it easier to stay calm, conserve energy, and keep airways clear while the swimmer is affected by the rip current. It is nearly impossible to swim directly against the current. Many swimmers caught in one become exhausted trying to return to the beach, lifeguards note. 'People tend to panic when they can't get back to the beach, and that's when we have problems,' Knight warned. 'So if you get caught in a rip current, the most important thing is not to panic, stay calm, lie on your back, float, and let the rip current take you out.' Once the current dissipates, it may leave the swimmer in deeper water. Lifeguards recommend raising an arm to signal for help. Be aware of flags warning about rip current conditions. Different colored flags are used to alert beachgoers about various dangers. Red means high danger, yellow indicates a moderate threat, and green signals low danger. There is also purple for dangerous marine life, such as jellyfish, and double red when a beach is closed for any reason. The National Weather Service posts rip current risk on its websites along the coasts and has developed a computer model that can predict when conditions might lead to their formation—up to six days in advance—for the East and Gulf coasts, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Guam. If possible, it's best to swim near a lifeguard station. What to do when you see a swimmer in a rip current: Attempting to rescue someone caught in a rip current can be dangerous, authorities warn. Often, people trying to perform the rescue can get into trouble themselves. It’s best to look for a lifeguard, if available, or call 911 if you see a swimmer in distress.
Public SafetyMan Arrested in Weslaco for Indecent Exposure in Public Restroom
Anthony Peralez was arrested on June 16 after he contacted police from Milton's laundromat on South Border Avenue to report himself. According to the police report, Peralez met two minors at Gibson Park and proposed sexual relations in a public restroom. Officers responded to the park and found the minors, who filed formal complaints against him for indecent exposure in the restroom. Currently, the only charge against Peralez is disorderly conduct for indecent exposure, according to his arrest records. This incident is under investigation in Weslaco.
Public SafetyFormer Edinburg CISD Coach Accused of Inappropriate Relationship Posts Bail
Former coach Christian Roxburgh, a former employee of the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District (Edinburg CISD), appeared before Justice of the Peace André Maldonado of Precinct 4 for formal charges. Roxburgh faces a charge of alleged inappropriate relationship between an educator and a student, who is no longer part of the school district. According to court records, a bail of $25,000 was set, which he posted, leading to his release. The district reported that upon learning of the allegations, it took immediate action in accordance with its internal policies and state legislation. Additionally, Edinburg CISD stated that it will not disclose information that could identify the alleged victim, in compliance with federal student protection and privacy laws. The case remains under investigation.
Public SafetyFormer Edinburg High School coach out on bond following improper relationship with a student charge
Christian Roxburgh, a former coach at Edinburg High School, has been charged with having an improper relationship with a student. He turned himself in to Edinburg CISD Police on Wednesday and was arraigned on the charge. Roxburgh was released later that day on a $25,000 bond. He resigned from his teaching and coaching positions, although he was still listed as an employee on the school's website as of Wednesday evening. Edinburg CISD stated they acted promptly in accordance with district policy and federal law upon learning of the allegations, which remain confidential to protect student privacy.
Public SafetySouth Padre Island road work near beach access 21 aims to cut flooding
Construction is currently taking place near Beach Access 21 on South Padre Island, specifically on Ruth Drive south of Good Hope Circle. Crews are installing new storm drain lines to mitigate flooding issues in the area. According to Jon Wilson, the Assistant Public Works Director, the project involves a complete road reconstruction, which includes removing the old road, reclaiming right-of-ways, and enhancing parking and pedestrian access to the beach. The project is anticipated to take approximately five months to finish, ultimately improving access and drainage for visitors.
Public SafetySan Carlos family left in sewage flooding more than a week after Valley storms
A San Carlos family continues to face severe flooding on their property over a week after heavy rains in the Rio Grande Valley. Justine Villarreal, the homeowner, reports unsanitary conditions due to standing water, which has affected their septic system and forced the family to limit water usage. The flooding poses health risks not only to the family and their livestock but also to neighbors. Villarreal has sought help for drainage issues for two years, blaming debris for obstructing water flow. Hidalgo County officials are aware of the situation and are investigating, but no timeline for resolution has been provided.
Public SafetyFormer Edinburg High School coach jailed on student relationship charge
Christian Roxburgh, a former coach at Edinburg High School, has been arrested following an investigation into an inappropriate relationship with a student. He surrendered to Edinburg CISD Police on Wednesday and was charged with having an improper relationship with a student. Roxburgh was released from Hidalgo County jail later that day after posting a $25,000 bond. He resigned from his teaching and coaching roles, although he was still listed as an employee on the school’s website as of Wednesday evening. Edinburg CISD stated they acted promptly in accordance with district policy and federal law after the allegations were reported.
Public SafetyAdult occupants of other vehicle involved in Alamo expressway crash in custody
Two adults, Francisco Davila Jr. and Samantha Vianney Rodriguez, were arrested on Wednesday after a crash on the expressway in Alamo that left six people hospitalized. The incident occurred on June 19 when their silver Dodge Durango collided with a tractor-trailer. A 5-year-old child was ejected from the vehicle and is in critical condition due to severe head trauma. Investigators found that the Durango was speeding and that the driver made an unsafe lane change. Additionally, several juvenile passengers were not properly restrained. The tractor-trailer driver, Jose Fidencio Luna Ramirez, initially fled but later returned to the scene before being charged.
Public SafetyCameron County beachgoers urged to use caution following drowning investigation
A tragic drowning incident occurred on Father's Day near Cameron County Beach Access 5, resulting in the death of 49-year-old Matthew Shaw from Edcouch. Shaw was pulled from the water unresponsive, and while bystanders performed CPR, the cause of death remains undetermined. Park rangers noted a moderate risk of rip currents that day and are increasing patrols as beach attendance rises. They advise swimmers to avoid alcohol, stay vigilant, and not swim alone. Local resident Juanita Jasso emphasized the importance of supervision at the beach, reflecting on the dangers that can arise from momentary lapses in attention.
Public SafetyA giraffe named Gracie escaped in Texas. No one can seem to find her
Gracie, a three-year-old giraffe, has been missing for nearly two weeks after escaping from Cedar Hollow Ranch, located about 100 miles west of San Antonio, Texas. Owner Vic Jones reported that Gracie wandered into an area of the ranch that other giraffes typically avoid. Despite deploying helicopters and offering a $5,000 reward, Gracie has not been found. The search area is remote, with low chances of her encountering humans. Real County Sheriff Nathan Johnson noted that while other exotic animals have gone missing before, this is the first giraffe case he has encountered. Gracie is believed to be foraging in the wild.
Public SafetyFormer Edinburg CISD coach turns self in to police over student relationship allegations: District
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A former Edinburg High School coach turned himself in to authorities on Wednesday following allegations of a student-teacher relationship, according to the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District said. Christian Roxburgh was arraigned on Wednesday on charges of an inappropriate relationship between an educator and a student, a second-degree felony. At the
Public SafetyDriver, passenger in Alamo expressway crash arrested on child endangerment charges
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Alamo Police Department on Wednesday arrested the driver and passenger of a vehicle involved in a tractor-trailer crash on the expressway that left four children with serious injuries. Driver Francisco Davila Jr. and passenger Samantha Vianney Rodriguez were charged with endangering a child - imminent bodily injury. The crash occurred
Public Safety2 men found dead in Houston inside vehicle bought at an auction in the Rio Grande Valley
Two men were discovered dead in a vehicle at an auto body shop in north Harris County on Saturday morning. The bodies were found after employees reported a foul smell. The vehicle had been towed to the shop on Friday and was purchased at an auction in the Rio Grande Valley. Authorities believe the men had been deceased for over 24 hours. The victims were identified as 29-year-old Jose Andres Joaquin Modesto and 39-year-old Omar Silbino Santizo Ramirez. The vehicle was sent for repairs because it was wrecked and not drivable, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
Public SafetyTeen suspect wanted in connection with McAllen robbery in custody
A 17-year-old from Pharr, Francisco Santana Jr., is in custody on an aggravated robbery charge after being identified as a suspect in an armed robbery in McAllen. The incident occurred on Sunday night around 10 p.m. in the 1000 block of Houston Avenue, where a 34-year-old victim reported that her belongings were taken at gunpoint. McAllen police confirmed Santana's arrest occurred the day after the robbery. He was booked on Tuesday with a bond set at $25,000, and authorities reported that the stolen property has been recovered.
Public SafetyThe law will catch up to you: DA confirms arrest of fugitive former Hidalgo County District clerk
Omar Guerrero, a former Hidalgo County District clerk, was arrested in Mexico after being a fugitive for 13 years. He faces charges related to a 2013 child sexual assault investigation and other outstanding warrants. The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office confirmed his arrest, stating that Guerrero will return to the U.S. within two days. His capture resulted from a collaboration between local and federal agencies. Guerrero was previously charged with sexual assault but was acquitted in 2007. He fled to Reynosa after a 2013 arrest for cocaine possession and tampering with identification numbers, but now he will face justice in court.
Public SafetyFeds charge businesswoman in $114 million Medicaid fraud case
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A businesswoman who convinced Cameron County to send people with mental health problems to a ranch near Raymondville for rehabilitation surrendered to the FBI on Wednesday morning to face healthcare fraud charges. Brandy Kaye Hernandez, 48, of Richmond, Texas, owned Inspired Behavioral Health. Hernandez convinced Cameron County to send people with
Public SafetyTexas AG Targets Carnival Cruise Line After Massive Hack Compromises 800K Texans
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into Carnival Corporation following a significant data breach in April 2026 that affected around 6 million individuals, including over 800,000 Texans. The breach was caused by social-engineering tactics that compromised an employee's account, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive personal information such as names, contact details, and payment information. Carnival reported the breach to the Attorney General's office 44 days after it occurred. Paxton aims to ensure accountability and proper security measures are in place to protect Texans' personal data, emphasizing the seriousness of data breaches.
Public SafetyIllegal Alien Sentenced to nearly 20 Years After Tossing Bags of Meth Out Window in Police Pursuit
Victor Manuel Gaytan, a 27-year-old illegal immigrant from Mexico, has been sentenced to 235 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. imposed the sentence after Gaytan, a repeat offender, pleaded guilty to the charges. During a police pursuit on November 4, 2025, Gaytan attempted to evade law enforcement, discarding a bag containing three kilograms of meth from his vehicle. Following his prison term, he will face five years of supervised release and is expected to undergo deportation proceedings. The investigation was led by the DEA with assistance from local police.
Public SafetyFormer Hidalgo County District clerk on the run since 2013 arrested in Mexico: Sheriff
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — After being on the run since 2013, former Hidalgo County District Clerk Omar Guerrero was arrested in Mexico, the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday. Guerrero, 49, was found living in Tulum, Mexico, where he was taken into custody on Tuesday, according to Hidalgo County District Attorney Toribio "Terry" Palacios. Palacios