Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
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
Public SafetyCrime in Texas: New Details on Deceased Family Linked to Famous Restaurants
HOUSTON, Texas – A tragedy that has shaken Houston and garnered national attention continues to unfold, as family members and close sources have identified the four members of a prominent family who died in what authorities are investigating as a murder-suicide in the affluent neighborhood of River Oaks. Although the Houston Police have not officially confirmed their identities, information has circulated widely in recent hours, increasing pressure on a case that remains shrouded in questions. According to authorities, the crime occurred on the afternoon of Monday, May 4, at a residence located in the 2100 block of Kingston Street in the River Oaks area. The Houston Police reported that a 52-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman, an 8-year-old girl, and a 4-year-old boy were found dead in the home, all with gunshot wounds. Family members and sources close to the family, as well as individuals connected to their businesses, have identified the deceased as Matthew Mitchell, Thy Mitchell, and their two children. However, Telemundo Houston has not been able to independently confirm this information through authorities, as the verification process is still being handled by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. According to investigators, preliminary evidence at the scene suggests that the man shot the woman and the children before taking his own life. Police noted that there were no previous reports of domestic violence at that address. The family was known in the city for owning the restaurants Traveler’s Table and Traveler’s Cart, located in the Montrose area, businesses that have gained recognition within the local and national culinary industry. On social media, a relative of the woman posted a message confirming the deaths of her sister and her nephews, which has been one of the main sources of public identification circulating. Additionally, the official account of the restaurants issued a brief message thanking the community for their support and requesting privacy during this time. Meanwhile, friends, colleagues, and members of the restaurant community have begun leaving flowers and messages in front of the residence, remembering the family as active and cherished figures in Houston. Authorities continue to investigate the case to clarify the timeline of events and a possible motive. If you or someone you know is facing a domestic violence situation, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential assistance.
Public SafetyTexas Man Charged in Shooting of Secret Service Agent in Washington D.C.
TEXAS – Michael Marx, 45, a resident of Midland, Texas, was charged Wednesday in a complaint filed in U.S. District Court related to a shooting that occurred on Monday, May 4, near the Washington Monument in the National Mall, where a civilian bystander was injured by gunfire; this was announced by federal prosecutor Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Marx faces three federal charges: assault on federal agents with a dangerous weapon, using and discharging a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to court documents, on May 4, 2026, around 3:40 p.m., a plainclothes U.S. Secret Service agent observed a man—later identified as Marx—who appeared to be concealing a firearm on the right side of his body near 15th Street and Madison Drive NW. The agent alerted the Secret Service Joint Operations Center and requested uniformed backup. At the same time, Vice President J.D. Vance's convoy was leaving the White House, passing through the area of 15th Street and Independence Avenue SW. Uniformed Secret Service agents responded to the call and located Marx along the route of the vice president's convoy. As the agents approached, Marx walked toward a group of civilians crossing the street. The agents issued verbal commands. Marx fled east on Independence Avenue SW. As the agents pursued him, Marx pulled a firearm from his waistband while running across the crosswalk toward pedestrians. Upon reaching the sidewalk, Marx turned and fired at one of the pursuing agents. A civilian witness behind the agent was struck in the leg. The agents returned fire, injuring Marx in the hand, left arm, and upper abdomen. Marx collapsed at the intersection of 15th Street and Independence Avenue SW, where the agents provided assistance. He was identified using a Texas driver's license found among his belongings. Authorities also identified several aliases, including Patrick Michael and Michael Zavici. Marx was transported to George Washington University Hospital. While in the ambulance, he allegedly made statements to the agents, such as: 'Screw the White House' and 'Kill me, kill me, kill me.' Investigators recovered a Sig Sauer P365 handgun, loaded with 9 mm ammunition, in the area where Marx fell. Authorities confirmed that Marx does not have a permit to carry firearms in the District of Columbia. Marx remained hospitalized Tuesday morning with multiple gunshot wounds, including to his back and leg. According to NBC News police sources, his injuries are not life-threatening. A 15-year-old bystander was struck by gunfire. The teenager suffered a possible superficial grazing injury to the lower body, according to police sources. He walked to an ambulance, where he was treated by paramedics. President Donald Trump was holding a small business event inside the White House when the incident occurred and was not aware that anything had happened at that time. The shooting prompted a brief evacuation of the North Lawn of the White House, according to Monica Alba of NBC News. Members of the press in the lawn were evacuated shortly after 3:40 p.m., when Secret Service officers ran out with drawn rifles and instructed them to run inside to the conference room. Reporters were allowed to come back out about seven minutes later. Streets in the area were closed due to the emergency response and investigation. The White House is located approximately one mile north of the Washington Monument.
Public SafetyCouple Charged with Firearm Threats Following Road Altercation
According to a report from the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred on Sunday, April 26, around 11:51 a.m., following a call about a terroristic threat in the 6100 block of Barb Mar Lane, in a rural area of Edinburg. The victims, identified as Samantha Rincón and Jonathan García, reported that they were driving on Ingle Road when they were intercepted by the suspects, 39-year-old Mark Quintanilla and 38-year-old Jessica Quintanilla. According to their accounts, Mark Quintanilla passed their vehicle, made an obscene gesture, then blocked their path, exited his car with a firearm, and demanded that one of the occupants get out of the vehicle. During the investigation, Mark Quintanilla admitted to following the victims and confirmed that he had firearms in his vehicle. Jessica also confirmed that she was carrying a weapon during the incident. As a result, both were charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony, and each was given a bond of $5,000. The case is under investigation as authorities urge anyone with additional information to contact 956-383-8114 or anonymously through the Crime Stoppers Line at 956-668-TIPS (8477). AI tools helped convert this news into a digital version, and a journalist from Telemundo Digital edited the article for publication.
Public SafetyMillion-Dollar Mansion in Brownsville Linked to Drug Trafficking to Be Auctioned
The mansion is estimated to be worth approximately $1.7 million, and federal judge Fernando Rodríguez Jr. ordered its seizure, considering it linked to an alleged major cocaine supplier with multiple cartel connections. The federal investigation also revealed that thousands of kilograms of cocaine were reportedly smuggled from Mexico into the United States for distribution in several states, including California, Nevada, North Carolina, Indiana, and Florida. The court document adds that the property features six bedrooms, four bathrooms, and over 6,900 square feet of construction, and that illicit funds were used not only to acquire the home but also to make significant improvements, such as building a pool, an additional house next to it, and complete renovations. With no claims filed against the property, authorities indicated it will be sold at a government auction.
Public SafetyNighttime Road Closures Scheduled for I-69E in Brownsville Area
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has announced nighttime lane closures on I-69E (US 77) in Brownsville for sign replacement work. The closures will take place from Wednesday, May 6, to Friday, May 8, between 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM. Drivers should expect multiple lane closures, as well as closures of entrances and exits between Ruben Torres Boulevard and Boca Chica Boulevard. On May 6, the focus will be on the exit to State Highway 48, while on May 7, work will shift to the exit for Old Alice Road. TxDOT advises drivers to exercise caution and consider alternate routes to avoid delays.
Public SafetySuspect remains hospitalized in critical condition following deadly Mission motorcycle crash
A man accused of causing a fatal motorcycle crash in Mission is in critical condition at a local hospital, according to the Mission Police Department. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. on Sunday near Holland Avenue off West Expressway 83. A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper attempted to stop a motorcyclist for a traffic violation, but the rider fled. Although the trooper abandoned the pursuit, the motorcyclist collided with another rider, resulting in one death. The Mission Police are currently investigating the incident and have not disclosed the identities of those involved.
Public Safety2 killed and 3 injured in shootings near a shopping mall north of Dallas, police say
On May 5, 2026, a shooting at K Towne Plaza in Carrollton, Texas, left two people dead and three injured. The suspect, 69-year-old Seung Han Ho, knew the victims and was arrested after a brief foot chase about four miles away. Carrollton Police Chief Roberto Arredondo confirmed that the incident stemmed from a known business relationship, not random violence. The three injured individuals are reported to be in stable condition. The area, known as Koreatown, has a significant Korean American population and is home to various businesses and churches. The FBI is assisting local law enforcement with the investigation.
Public SafetyWillacy County maintenance worker caught performing lewd act inside woman apartment, records say
A maintenance worker at the Willacy County Housing Authority, Noe Perez Vasquez, 57, was arrested for criminal trespass after being caught on a Ring camera performing a lewd act in a woman's apartment on April 7. The woman, who was at work, received a motion alert and saw Vasquez on her couch. He entered through the rear door without permission, and there were no scheduled maintenance requests for her unit. After being confronted by deputies, Vasquez initially denied the allegations but later admitted to the act. He has since been released from jail after posting bond.
Public SafetyJuvenile remains hospitalized in critical condition following Cameron County hit-and-run crash
A juvenile is in critical condition after a hit-and-run incident in Cameron County early Monday morning. The Texas Department of Public Safety reported that the crash occurred around 2:26 a.m. on State Highway 48, near the Jaime J. Zapata Memorial Boat Ramp. Two juveniles were parked due to car troubles when a vehicle sideswiped them, injuring both. While one juvenile has been released from the hospital, the other requires surgery. Authorities have identified the suspect vehicle and are pursuing an arrest for the female driver who fled the scene.
Public SafetyFormer FedEx driver sentenced to death for killing 7-year-old girl after delivery at her Texas home
A former FedEx driver, Tanner Horner, was sentenced to death for the murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand in Texas. Horner, 34, pleaded guilty to capital murder last month, just as his trial began. The jury heard evidence, including audio from his delivery van, revealing the horrific circumstances of Athena's abduction and murder. Her body was discovered two days after she was reported missing from her home in Paradise. Prosecutors argued that Horner posed a continuing threat to society, and jurors found no reason to consider life imprisonment instead of the death penalty. Athena's family had been expecting a Christmas gift from Horner.
Public Safety'They left too soon': Alamo brothers killed in California crash
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A South Texas family is mourning the loss of their two loved ones who were killed in a crash in California on Sunday. Rene Arredondo Jr., 26, and Randy Arredondo, 25, two brothers from Alamo, were ejected from a GMC Sierra after the driver allegedly fell asleep at the wheel and
Public SafetyWoman arrested, 2 inmates face additional charges in jail drug smuggling scheme: CCSO
OLIMITO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A woman was taken into custody, and two inmates face additional charges for their alleged roles in a scheme to smuggle narcotics into jail, according to a news release from the Cameron County Sheriff's Office. Kassandra Michelle Larose, 33, and inmates Victor Hugo Hernandez Jr., 33, and Michael Molina, 29, were charged
Public SafetyFormer Sauceda Middle School security guard kissed student by band hall: Records
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A criminal complaint obtained by ValleyCentral details what led to the arrest of a former security guard at Sauceda Middle School in Donna, accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student. Francisco San Roman, 50, of Donna, was arrested in April on charges of online solicitation of a minor under
Public SafetyK-9 Officer Yak credited with locating drugs, cash during traffic stops
CAMERON COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Cameron County District Attorney's Office is praising one of its K-9 officers for assisting with two traffic stops that led to the seizure of concealed drugs and currency tied to criminal activity. The traffic stops were conducted by the Cameron County DA Special Investigations Unit last week in two separate
Public SafetyLa Villa Secures $919K for Advanced New Fire Engine
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced the allocation of $919,000 for the La Villa Fire Department, enabling the purchase of a new firetruck and firefighting equipment. This funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill, which Gonzalez voted for and was signed into law. He emphasized the importance of this investment for improving emergency response times, which can be crucial in life-threatening situations. In total, Gonzalez secured nearly $13 million for 15 community projects in South Texas aimed at enhancing public safety and supporting local needs.
Public SafetyTexas Man Convicted of Arming Cartels in Large-Scale Firearms Case
A federal jury in Del Rio, Texas, convicted Bobby Brandon Galvan, 30, on two counts of firearms trafficking linked to the La Nueva Familia Michoacana cartel. Evidence showed he straw purchased 24 AK-47 rifles, which were sent to Mexico for cartel use. Galvan was arrested on July 29, 2025, and indicted on August 20. He faces up to 40 years in prison for each count. This case is part of a larger federal initiative, Operation Take Back America, aimed at dismantling transnational criminal organizations and preventing illegal firearms trafficking. 18 co-defendants have already pleaded guilty.