Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyTexas Is Paying Up to $50,000 to Catch Illegal Crash Solicitors
The State of Texas has increased the reward for reporting illegal crash solicitors from $10,000 to $50,000. This initiative aims to combat barratry, which occurs when individuals contact accident victims without their consent. Such practices are illegal in Texas. Residents are encouraged to report any unsolicited contact after a car crash to help curb this issue. For more information, individuals can visit stopbarratryrgv.com.
Public Safety$1.7M Brownsville Mansion Seized
A mansion in Brownsville, Texas, valued at approximately $1.7 million, has been seized by the U.S. government due to its acquisition with drug trafficking proceeds. The property, which features six bedrooms and four bathrooms, was reportedly used for money laundering activities linked to a major cocaine supplier associated with multiple cartels. Improvements made to the mansion included a pool and extensive renovations. U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. approved the forfeiture after determining that the property was obtained through illegal activities. The mansion will be sold at a government auction, with no claims against it reported.
Public SafetyYoung Man Arrested for Multiple Thefts in Weslaco Residential Areas
The ongoing investigation indicates that the suspect is a minor. Police link him to multiple thefts and a reported burglary in residential neighborhoods in the King Estates area, Largo Street, and nearby zones. The police reiterated their commitment to community safety and warned that anyone involved in criminal activities will be held accountable. They emphasized that 'all criminal activity is taken seriously' and that they will continue to work to protect residents. Additionally, anyone with information can contact the Weslaco Police Department directly or anonymously through the Crime Stoppers line at (956) 968-TIPS (8477) or via the P3 mobile app.
Public SafetyWorker dies by electrocution outside rural Edinburg home: Sheriff
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a man who was electrocuted while working outside a home in rural Edinburg. Authorities identified the man as 30-year-old Efren Morones. Morones was found unresponsive at approximately 10:25 a.m. on Friday, May 1, on the 1600 block of Indigo Street. Morones
Public SafetyFort Brown Border Patrol Agents Apprehend Paisas Gang Member with Ties to Gulf Cartel
Border Patrol agents at the Fort Brown Station in Brownsville, Texas, apprehended a Mexican national linked to the Paisas gang, which collaborates with the Gulf Cartel. The individual was caught attempting to enter the U.S. illegally. After his arrest, agents confirmed his connections to the Paisas, a gang known for its prison operations. He has been handed over to the Department of Justice for prosecution related to his illegal entry and gang affiliations. Following his sentence, he will be transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation to Mexico.
Public SafetyInvestigation Underway into Electrocution Death of Man in Edinburg
The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office reported the death of Efrén Morones, who was electrocuted on Friday, April 30, around 10:25 a.m. on the 1600 block of Indigo Street. Preliminary investigations revealed that Morones was digging holes for maintenance work when he was found unconscious by the homeowner. Authorities determined that he likely suffered electrocution. Emergency services confirmed the cause of death as electrocution. A local electrical company is assisting in identifying the source of the electrical hazard that led to the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office at 956-383-8114 or the Crime Stoppers line at 956-668-TIPS (8477).
Public SafetyDrug trafficker $1. 7 million Brownsville mansion seized by the federal government
The federal government has seized a mansion in Brownsville valued at approximately $1.7 million, linked to drug trafficker Juan De Dios Gomez-Gonzalez. Located on Cowan Terrace, the property features six bedrooms and over 6,900 square feet. Gomez-Gonzalez, identified as the leader of a drug trafficking organization, allegedly used the mansion to launder money from cocaine sales between Mexico and the U.S. He purchased the home in 2013 for $330,000 and renovated it using his construction business. Gomez-Gonzalez was indicted for drug trafficking and money laundering but was killed in a shootout in Mexico in September 2023 before his arrest.
Public SafetyImage of Person of Interest Released Following Robbery in Brownsville
The Brownsville Police Department is seeking to identify a man involved in a robbery at a store on the 1200 block of Minnesota Street. According to the police report, the suspect allegedly assaulted an employee during the incident. Details regarding the victim's health and the stolen items have not been disclosed. Authorities released the suspect's image in hopes that local residents can recognize him and provide information to assist in the investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 546-TIPS or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com.
Public SafetyElderly Edinburg man killed in officer-involved shooting
An elderly man in Edinburg was shot and killed by police after he pointed a firearm at them. Police Chief Jaime Ayala reported that the incident occurred when the man, upset with irrigation workers near his home on Sprague Street, called the police to demand their departure. When officers arrived, he threatened to retrieve a gun if his demands were not met. He then drew a pistol and aimed it at the officers, prompting them to fire back. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, and the Texas Rangers are investigating the incident while an internal review is also underway.
Public SafetyDrug trafficker's former $1.7M Brownsville mansion to be sold at government auction: feds
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A $1.7 million mansion in Brownsville that once belonged to an alleged drug trafficker who was killed in a shootout in Mexico in 2023 will be sold at government auction. The home — located at 300 block of Cowan Terrace in Brownsville — has been civilly forfeited to the United States,
Public SafetyJudge Makes Public Possible Suicide Note of Epstein, Allegedly Found in 2019
A purported suicide note from Jeffrey Epstein, obtained by his former cellmate, was declassified this Wednesday by a federal judge. The handwritten letter on lined paper, which has yet to be authenticated, dates back to what was believed to be Epstein's failed suicide attempt on July 23, 2019, less than two weeks before his death. Epstein was found 'with a piece of orange fabric around his neck' and 'friction marks' on it, according to a report from the Justice Department's Office of the Inspector General. Epstein's cellmate informed authorities that he had attempted to hang himself.
Public SafetyEdinburg police investigating officer-involved shooting
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Edinburg Police Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting. Edinburg police Chief Jaime Ayala will host a press conference on Wednesday afternoon to provide details of the shooting. A livestream of the press conference will be available in this article. This is a developing story.
Public SafetyFirefighters charged after blocking car and pulling guns on victims near Edinburg, sheriff office says
Mark and Jessica Quintanilla, a firefighter and deputy chief from Edinburg, face aggravated assault charges after an incident near Edinburg. On April 26, around 11:51 a.m., they allegedly blocked another vehicle and brandished firearms during a confrontation. The victims reported that Mark made an obscene gesture before stopping aggressively in front of them. He exited his vehicle with a handgun, while Jessica followed and received a firearm from him. Both were arrested and released on a $5,000 bond. Jessica has been suspended indefinitely, and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information should contact the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office.
Public SafetyMan, woman accused of threatening victims with gun in rural Edinburg: HCSO
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man and woman were arrested Monday after allegedly threatening victims with a gun in rural Edinburg, according to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. Jessica Quintanilla and Mark Quintanilla, both residents of Edinburg, were charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, Hidalgo County jail records show. On Sunday, April 26,
Public SafetyOvernight expressway closures in Brownsville for sign work: TxDOT
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A portion of the expressway in Brownsville will be closed starting Wednesday night for sign work. Crews will be replacing large overhead signs between Ruben Torres and Boca Chica Boulevard, resulting in lane and ramp closures from Wednesday through Friday. The closures are scheduled for the southbound lane of I-69 E,
Public SafetyDPS Scales Up Drone Defense for Global Soccer Fans
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has received approximately $3.2 million in federal funding from FEMA to enhance drone detection and mitigation technology ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This initiative aims to ensure public safety and protect critical infrastructure in Dallas and Houston, the host cities for the event. DPS plans to deploy advanced systems capable of monitoring airspace and managing unauthorized drone activity. Additionally, DPS personnel will undergo specialized training by the FBI to effectively respond to aerial threats. All drone operators are reminded to comply with FAA regulations to ensure safe operations.
Public SafetyEdinburg Police Investigate Shooting Involving Officer
The Edinburg Police Department confirmed that it is responding to this incident. So far, authorities have not released further details about the circumstances of the event or whether there are any possible injuries. Police Chief Jaime Ayala stated that a press conference will be held as soon as more information becomes available. This is a developing story; stay informed on TELEMUNDO 40.
Public SafetyLa Villa Fire Department receives donation to secure new truck, equipment
LA VILLA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A new fire truck and new equipment are coming to the La Villa Fire Department. The new resources were announced on Tuesday by Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), who secured approximately $919,000 to donate to the La Villa Fire Department. "I'm really proud and happy to be able to do this," Gonzalez
Public SafetySuspect in police custody after making online threat about Homer J. Morris Middle School, district says
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —A person is in police custody after allegedly making an online threat about Homer J. Morris Middle School on Tuesday night, according to the McAllen Independent School District. On Tuesday at 9:54 p.m., McAllen ISD informed parents with students from Homer J. Morris Middle School that the McAllen Police Department was investigating