Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyAt least six people arrested for alleged vandalism of the reflecting pool
At least six individuals were arrested for alleged acts of vandalism at the reflecting pool of the Lincoln Memorial, a government official reported on Monday, as President Donald Trump threatened to impose lengthy prison sentences on the offenders. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that six people have been arrested and seven have been cited 'for the damage they caused to the now beautiful reflecting pool of our country.' Among those detained was U.S. Olympic canoeist David 'Davey' Hearn, who had previously told NBC News that he was held for five hours on Friday after touching a piece of peeling paint in the reflecting pool. Over the weekend, following a meeting with contractors at Camp David, Trump claimed it might be necessary to drain the reflecting pool again. On Sunday, Marine One was seen flying over the area, and Trump mentioned that he had 'inspected' the site. On Monday morning, Trump reiterated his claims that the reflecting pool is under attack, two weeks before the nation's 250th anniversary. In a post on Truth Social, the president stated that the reflecting pool had suffered 'a 300-foot-long cut' due to 'chemicals being illegally dumped' into the water. 'Remember, there is a 10-year prison sentence for the destruction, or even the attempt to destroy, such things… and it will be enforced to the fullest!' Trump added in his Truth Social post. On Monday afternoon, Trump told reporters that it was 'a 350-foot gap from one end to the other.'
Public SafetyLarissa Rodríguez Case: Beverage Distributor Claims It Did Not Manufacture Drink
On June 1, attorneys for the defendant company Glazer’s Beer and Beverage and Glazer’s Beer and Beverage of Texas filed a formal motion in Hidalgo County court to dismiss the lawsuit brought by the family of Larissa Rodríguez, the 17-year-old who died after suffering a cardiac complication in October 2025. In the motion submitted to the court, the defendants argue that they acted solely as distributors of the product and not as manufacturers of the energy drinks. They also contend that Texas law limits the liability of sellers who do not participate in the manufacturing of the products involved in a claim. According to court records, the request to dismiss the lawsuit is scheduled to be reviewed during a hearing set for June 30 in the 370th District Court of Hidalgo County, while the case remains pending resolution.
Public SafetyWe Can't Have Peace: Savannah Guthrie Reacts to New Information About Her Mother's Disappearance
Savannah Guthrie, co-host of TODAY, expressed her anguish and desperation in a recent segment regarding her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie, 84. Following the release of a note suggesting Nancy had died, Savannah pleaded for public assistance in finding her. The FBI is investigating, describing a suspect captured on surveillance footage as a medium-built man between 5'9" and 5'10" tall. In addition to ongoing search efforts by local authorities and the FBI, the group Buscando Corazones has organized searches in Mexico. The Guthrie family is offering a $1 million reward, while the FBI has increased its reward to $100,000 for information leading to Nancy's whereabouts.
Public SafetyMcAllen Police Search for Suspect in Indecent Assault on Woman
The report was made on the Bicentennial Hike and Bike Trail, in the 6500 block of Bicentennial Boulevard, on the morning of June 23, after a woman reported that an unknown man approached her from behind and grabbed her before fleeing the area. McAllen police obtained surveillance footage showing an individual running near the area shortly after the incident and described the suspect as follows: Light-skinned male, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, around 150 pounds, with medium-length dark hair. He was wearing a red or burgundy shirt, dark shorts, and dark shoes. Authorities are asking anyone who recognizes the individual or has information about his identity to contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at (956) 687-8477.
Public SafetyVideo of Accident in Alamo Released; Driver Facing Charges
A video from a truck's dashboard camera reveals the moments leading up to a serious accident in Alamo involving a Dodge Durango. The vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer, causing it to roll over multiple times, ejecting several children. A 5-year-old boy suffered severe head trauma and remains in critical condition. The truck driver, José Fidencio Luna Ramírez, has been arrested and charged after allegedly leaving the scene before police arrived. His wife claims there are videos showing her husband assisted the family after the crash. The trucking company is providing legal support during the ongoing investigation.
Public SafetyCameron County sheriff reacts to Harlingen animal cruelty investigation
A Harlingen man, 66-year-old Luis Aguilar, faces animal cruelty charges after deputies discovered his German shepherd in dire conditions, including facial burns and lack of food and clean water. The investigation began on May 21 when a concerned caller reported two dogs and a horse in poor health on Baker Potts Road. The sheriff's office removed the dogs, with Tasha, the German shepherd mix, receiving treatment for second-degree burns and dehydration at Country Vet Clinic. She is now recovering at the Brownsville Animal Regulation and Care Center. Sheriff Manuel Treviño urged the public to report animal neglect cases.
Public SafetyConsumer Reports: Summer safety tips
As summer approaches, families are reminded to prioritize safety to avoid accidents, particularly with children. Dr. Darria Long, an emergency physician, emphasizes the importance of supervision near water, recommending that one adult be designated to watch children at all times. Inflatable floaties are not a substitute for U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for non-swimmers. Additionally, parents should ensure that pools are fenced with self-closing gates. When it comes to biking and scootering, children must wear properly fitted helmets. Lastly, families should secure windows to prevent falls, allowing for a safer and more enjoyable summer season.
Public SafetyDriver charged in connection with Alamo crash that hospitalized six people
A 40-year-old man, Jose Fidencio Luna Ramirez, has been charged following a serious crash on the expressway in Alamo that left a 5-year-old child in critical condition and hospitalized five others. The incident occurred on Friday evening when Ramirez's tractor-trailer collided with a silver Dodge Durango. He faces two counts of collision involving serious bodily injury and four counts of collision involving injury, with a bond set at $300,000. Although he fled the scene, he was not charged for leaving the accident site. The child suffered severe head trauma, while two adults and three children sustained various injuries but were later released from the hospital.
Public SafetyMission Fire Department adds UTVs to its fleet
The Mission Fire Department has enhanced its fleet by acquiring utility task vehicles (UTVs) designed to access challenging terrains where standard emergency vehicles struggle. These UTVs will aid in search and rescue missions, emergency medical services, and combating brush fires, ultimately improving response times for first responders. Fire Chief Michael Silva emphasized the importance of these vehicles for reaching rugged areas, particularly bike trails. The department funded the purchase with a $239,000 grant from the Border Zone Fire Department Grant Program, and two additional UTVs are anticipated to arrive next month.
Public SafetyInvestigation Underway After Shooting Leaves Two Adults and One Minor Injured at California Library
CHICO, California – Two adults died and one minor was injured following a shooting at a library in Butte County in the Chico area, authorities reported. On Monday, around 5:12 p.m., the Police Department and the fire communications center received multiple calls reporting that 'gunshots and screams' were heard inside the building. Officers arrived on the scene and located the suspect, who was arrested. 'We regret to inform that two adults have died and a minor was transported to Enloe Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries,' the police statement said. The Chico Police Department is leading the investigation with the assistance of local, state, and federal agencies. 'This afternoon's incident was, obviously, very sad and traumatic for many people. Very traumatic for our community,' said Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge at a press conference. He noted that the library was open at the time of the 'active shooter incident,' in which the suspect used a single firearm.
Public SafetyMcAllen police search for 17-year-old suspect in aggravated robbery investigation
The McAllen Police Department is actively searching for 17-year-old Francisco Santana Jr., who is wanted in connection with an aggravated robbery. The incident occurred on Sunday around 10 p.m. when a 34-year-old woman reported being robbed at gunpoint in the parking area of the 1000 block of Houston Avenue. An arrest warrant has been issued for Santana, who is described as approximately 5'03" tall, weighing around 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. His last known address is in Pharr. Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at 956-687-8477.
Public SafetyEdcouch man pronounced dead after being pulled from the water at South Padre Island
A 49-year-old man from Edcouch, Matthew Shaw, was pronounced dead after being rescued from the water at South Padre Island. Cameron County Park Rangers received reports of an unresponsive individual shortly after 5 p.m. on Sunday, about a mile north of County Beach Access No. 5. Witnesses indicated that Shaw had been swimming before the incident. Emergency responders, including park rangers and the Cameron County Beach Patrol, attempted life-saving measures. Shaw was taken to Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville, where he was declared dead. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Public SafetyRamp and lane closures scheduled in Cameron County for paving operations
The Texas Department of Transportation has announced upcoming lane and ramp closures in Cameron County for paving work. This will affect the northbound and southbound I-69E frontage roads between FM 732 in San Benito and FM 511 in Olmito. The operations are set to start on Monday, June 22, and are expected to conclude by July 3. Work will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with possible Saturday work. The maintenance aims to improve road surfaces for safety and a smoother driving experience. Drivers should expect minor delays and exercise caution in the area.
Public SafetyMan turns himself in after allegedly exposing himself to minors at Weslaco park: Records
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Weslaco police arrested a man who allegedly exposed himself to children at a park and then reported himself to police, according to a criminal complaint obtained by ValleyCentral. Anthony Peralez, 25, of Weslaco, was charged with indecency with a child, a third-degree felony, Hidalgo County jail records show. At approximately 9:30
Public Safety24,400 Liters of Methamphetamine Seized, Largest Amount During Sheinbaum's Administration
MEXICO CITY – The Mexican Army and the National Guard recently seized 24,400 liters (6,476 gallons) of liquid methamphetamine at a property linked to the Sinaloa Cartel in northwestern Mexico, marking the largest seizure since Claudia Sheinbaum took office in October 2024. The Ministry of National Defense highlighted this in a statement on Monday, noting that the anti-drug operation took place on June 19 and 20 in the city of Los Mochis, Sinaloa. Military personnel found 24,400 liters of liquid methamphetamine, as well as 98,640 liters and 59,425 kilograms of chemicals used for synthetic drug production. They also seized two vehicles, weapon magazines, and ammunition of various calibers. 'This seizure, due to its magnitude, is considered the largest of its kind in this administration and the second largest historically, with an economic impact on organized crime exceeding 9 billion pesos ($518 million),' the Defense Ministry emphasized.
Public SafetyMcAllen Police Actively Seeking Francisco Santana Jr. for Armed Robbery
McAllen Police are actively searching for 17-year-old Francisco Santana Jr., identified as a suspect in an armed robbery that occurred on June 21, 2026, around 10:00 p.m. The incident took place in a parking area on the 1000 block of Houston Avenue, where a 34-year-old female victim was robbed at gunpoint. A magistrate from the McAllen Municipal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Santana, charging him with Aggravated Robbery, a First Degree Felony. Authorities urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at (956) 687-8477, with the possibility of a cash reward for tips leading to an arrest.
Public SafetyArtificial Intelligence Intensifies World Cup's 'Magnet' for Digital Fraud in Mexico
MEXICO CITY – During the ongoing World Cup, there is a growing sense in Mexico that the sporting event acts as a 'magnet' for the exponential rise in digital fraud related to ticket resales and banking transactions, a risk that has worsened in recent years due to the emergence of artificial intelligence. Alejandro Romero, CEO of Cyberpeace, a company providing digital security services to Mexican entities, explained to EFE on Monday that the 300,000 daily cyberattack attempts the country faces have 'doubled' in May and June, a reality he attributes to the World Cup being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. 'The attacks we are experiencing are a magnet, a fertile ground for attackers, who have everyone concentrated in one place, sharing the same passion and looking for the same thing,' Romero said, referring to the 'favorable' context the sporting event creates for online scams. According to his analysis, the online attacks aim to deceive fans, especially those 'looking for some promotion or something with a sense of urgency' like accommodation bookings or ticket purchases. Therefore, he added, the perpetrators of these crimes see a 'great opportunity' in the World Cup, with scams of varying degrees of complexity.
Public SafetyEdcouch man dies after being pulled from water at South Padre Island
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An Edcouch man died after being pulled from the water at Cameron County Beach Access #5 on Sunday, according to a news release from the Cameron County Park Ranger Division. At approximately 5:05 p.m., Cameron County Park Rangers were dispatched to 1-mile north of the County Beach Access #5 regarding an
Public SafetyMcAllen police seek teen suspect in armed robbery investigation
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The McAllen Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a teen suspect wanted in connection with an aggravated robbery investigation. Francisco Santana Jr., 17, of Pharr, is wanted on a charge of aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony, according to a news release from the McAllen Police Department. Shortly after