Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyMotorcyclist charged with murder, intoxication manslaughter in Mission crash
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — More than a month after being accused of causing a fatal crash, a Mission motorcyclist has been charged with murder. Apolonio Perez, 39, of Mission was charged with murder, a first-degree felony; intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle, a second-degree felony; and evading arrest, a third-degree felony, on June 12, according to
Public Safety20-Year Prison Sentence Handed to Mexican National for International Cocaine Conspiracy
Leonel Mata Luna, a 51-year-old man from Houston, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his involvement in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy that lasted nearly a decade. He pleaded guilty on September 6, 2023, and admitted to violating supervised release terms from a previous drug conviction. The court found that he played a leadership role in a drug trafficking organization that moved over 100 kilograms of cocaine from Monterrey, Mexico, to the U.S. Luna was arrested in September 2022 after being a fugitive for seven years. He will remain in custody until his transfer to a federal prison.
Public SafetyNo bond on murder charges for Alton suspect accused of fatally shooting his parents and grandmother
A 19-year-old man from Alton, Gaurav Chopra, is being held without bond on multiple murder charges after allegedly shooting his parents and grandmother. The incident occurred at a home on Roosevelt Avenue, where two victims were found dead, and a third died later in the hospital. All three suffered gunshot wounds to the head. Chopra was arraigned on charges of capital murder and attempted murder, with no bond set for the murder charges. He also faces a $250,000 bond for evading arrest. Authorities have not disclosed a motive, and Chopra is a student at UTRGV.
Public SafetySecurity guard says a tourniquet saved his life after being shot at Harlingen gentleman club
A Harlingen security guard, Rogelio Lopez, spoke out about being shot during a confrontation with Thomas Matthew Puente at the VIP Gentleman's Club on May 2. After being removed from the club earlier, Puente returned armed with a shotgun, leading to a struggle where Lopez was shot in the leg. Despite suffering a shattered femur, Lopez continued to fight until help arrived. He credits a tourniquet he carried daily for saving his life, applying it to his wound. Lopez underwent three surgeries and is now in physical therapy, urging others to learn how to use a tourniquet to save lives.
Public SafetyCaught with three AK-47s, gun smuggler pleads guilty
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man who attempted to cross the border with three AK-47s pleaded guilty Thursday. Edgar Emanuel Reyes Balderrama, 32, of Mexico attempted to cross the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge in December. During a search, officers discovered three AK-47s hidden in his car. “You knew it was illegal?” U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S.
Public SafetyDPS Trooper Dies in Traffic Crash
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced the tragic death of 27-year-old Highway Patrol Trooper Sergio Romero, who died in a traffic accident in Childress County. The incident occurred on June 17 while Trooper Romero was conducting a traffic stop on US-287 when a semi-truck collided with his patrol unit. He died at the scene, and the crash is under investigation. DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin expressed condolences, highlighting Romero's dedication to serving Texas. Trooper Romero, who previously worked with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, leaves behind a wife and two young sons. He is the 244th DPS officer to die in the line of duty since 1823.
Public SafetyMcAllen police seek woman in connection with assault investigation
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The McAllen Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a suspect in an ongoing assault investigation. The assault was reported on April 29 on the 7600 block of North 10th St. in McAllen. Police identified Joanna Coronado, 35, of Pharr as a suspect in the case. Coronado is
Public SafetyMcAllen Police Seek Public’s Help in Locating Assault Suspect
The McAllen Police Department is seeking assistance from the public to locate 35-year-old Joanna Coronado, who is wanted in connection with an assault investigation. The incident was reported on April 29, 2026, in the 7600 block of North 10th St. After a thorough investigation, Coronado was identified as the primary suspect, leading to an arrest warrant issued by a magistrate for Assault, a Class ‘A’ Misdemeanor. Coronado is approximately 5’03” tall, weighs around 210 lbs, has brown hair and brown eyes, and her last known address is in Pharr, TX. Tips can be submitted anonymously to McAllen Crime Stoppers at (956) 687-TIPS.
Public SafetyMajor Weekend Drug Bust: CBP Seizes $984,000 Worth of Cocaine in Laredo
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Laredo seized over $984,000 worth of cocaine in two separate incidents. The first seizure occurred on June 13 at the Camino Real Bridge in Eagle Pass, where a 53-year-old Mexican man was found with nearly 23 pounds of cocaine hidden in his 2015 Toyota Camry, valued at approximately $306,723. The second seizure took place on June 12 at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge in Laredo, involving a 56-year-old Mexican man with 50.75 pounds of cocaine in his 2020 Nissan Frontier, worth about $677,617. Both drivers were arrested, and investigations are ongoing.
Public SafetyMission man accused of posing as vet, injecting dog for $150
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man known as "Rick the Vet" was arrested almost six years after he was accused of posing as a veterinarian during the COVID-19 pandemic, records indicate. Ricardo Arispe Chavez, of Mission, was charged with violating veterinary regulations, a Class A misdemeanor, according to Hidalgo County records. A criminal complaint revealed
Public SafetyMcAllen Police Seek Woman Named in Assault Investigation
The incident under investigation was reported on April 29 in the 7600 block of North 10th Street and points to a woman identified as Joanna Coronado, 35, who is a suspect in an assault that occurred in the city. A judge from the McAllen Municipal Court determined that there was probable cause to issue an arrest warrant against her for the charge of assault, classified as a Class A misdemeanor. The police provided the following physical description of Coronado: Approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing 210 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Her last known address is in the city of Pharr, and the police request that anyone with information on her whereabouts contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at (956) 687-8477 or through the P3 Tips mobile app.
Public SafetyWATCH: Alton capital murder suspect to be arraigned
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A suspect accused of killing three people in Alton is being arraigned this morning at the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center. Alton police chief Mark J. Perez identified the suspect as Gaurav Chopra. He is charged with capital murder in connection with a deadly shooting that took place Tuesday night. Officers were
Public SafetyHarlingen Interchange closure to impact travel for Harlingen-to-McAllen commuters TODAY from 9am-2pm
The McAllen exit to westbound I-2 on northbound I-69E (US 77) in Harlingen will be closed today, June 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a bridge inspection. Commuters heading to McAllen will need to take the Harrison/Tyler exit, turn left onto West Harrison Avenue, and then merge onto westbound I-2 at the Lewis Lane on-ramp. An alternative route involves taking the same exit, proceeding north of the railroad crossing, turning left onto Spur 54, and merging onto I-2. Drivers should anticipate delays and plan their travel accordingly, but the northbound lanes between Harlingen and Primera remain open.
Public SafetySuspect in Triple Homicide in Alton Faces Capital Murder Charges
Nineteen-year-old Gaurav Chotra appeared in court facing capital murder charges for a triple homicide in Alton, Texas, where he allegedly killed three family members and attempted to murder a fourth. Cameron County Sheriff Eddie Guerra reported that the victims suffered gunshot wounds to the head. Chotra faces charges of capital murder for multiple persons and attempted capital murder for allegedly trying to kill his brother. He is also charged with evading arrest after a police chase that ended in a crash. The judge denied bail for the murder charges but set a $250,000 bond for the evasion charge. Investigations are ongoing.
Public SafetyTemporary Closure of McAllen Exit in Harlingen
The exit from I-69E north (US 77) to I-2 west towards McAllen will be temporarily closed on Thursday due to a bridge inspection, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDot). The closure will be in effect from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Drivers heading to McAllen must take the Harrison/Tyler exit, turn left onto West Harrison Avenue, and re-enter I-2 west via the ramp at Lewis Lane. Alternatively, they can continue north past the railroad crossing, turn left onto Spur 54, and then access I-2 west. Authorities advise planning ahead for travel. Updates are available at DriveTexas.org.
Public SafetySuspect accused of murdering 3 people in Alton identified
Alton police have identified Gaurav Chopra as the suspect in the murder of three individuals following a police chase that began after two bodies were found in a home. The investigation, led by the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, started on Tuesday night at the Tuscany Village Subdivision. The victims, Sweeta Ram, Kamlesh Rani, and Minder Kaur, were discovered in a residence on Roosevelt Avenue. A third victim was hospitalized but later died. Chopra fled the scene, leading to a chase that ended in a crash. He is facing charges of capital murder and attempted murder, and is scheduled for arraignment on Thursday.
Public SafetyProgreso leaders push for drainage upgrade following recent rain
Progreso city officials are reassessing their drainage system following recent heavy rains that caused flooding in parts of the Rio Grande Valley. They noted that the city's growth has surpassed the capabilities of the infrastructure established 40 years ago. Plans include constructing three retention ponds, with a state grant application already submitted. Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Estrada emphasized the need for updates, stating that the existing system from 1985 is no longer sufficient. The city aims to identify areas needing new drainage solutions, as previous assessments have not been conducted. A response to the grant application is expected by the end of the month.
Public SafetyInvestigators seek clues in small jet crash that killed 1 in Laredo, where bystanders rushed to help
Investigators are examining the wreckage of a small jet that crashed on a highway in Laredo, Texas, on June 16, 2026, killing one passenger, Joshua Baer, a prominent figure in the tech industry. The jet, which had reported mechanical issues and low fuel, was attempting an emergency landing when it crashed. Bystanders rushed to assist in rescuing the crew and passengers from the burning aircraft. Two pilots and three teenagers survived, while a dog on board is expected to recover. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the FAA and NTSB, with early indications suggesting possible engine failure.
Public SafetyHarlingen Fire Department's Sound the Alarm program installs free smoke detectors
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The loss of two young girls in a Harlingen house fire last year remains a painful reminder of how quickly fire can turn deadly. Now, the Harlingen Fire Department is taking steps to help prevent similar tragedies by taking part in the American Red Cross' Sound the Alarm program, which provides