Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public Safety2 juveniles in critical condition after hit-and-run crash near Cameron County boat ramp: DPS
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two juveniles are in critical condition after a Sunday hit-and-run crash on Highway 48 in Cameron County, according to a spokesperson from the Texas Department of Public Safety. At approximately 2:26 a.m. Sunday, a DPS trooper responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 48, Mile Marker 572, near the Jaime J. Zapata
Public SafetyMotorcyclist involved in chase before deadly Mission crash, DPS says
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A motorcyclist was involved in a chase before a deadly crash in Mission over the weekend, according to a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety. As ValleyCentral previously reported, the crash involved two motorcycles and occurred at 3:45 a.m. Sunday on the 900 block of the expressway. According to DPS,
Public SafetyCollin Co. Capital Murder Suspect Named Featured Fugitive for May
Hassan Haitham Muhsen, a 20-year-old fugitive from Frisco, has been named the Featured Fugitive for May by Texas 10 Most Wanted. He is wanted for capital murder in connection with a robbery and shooting incident in McKinney that occurred in January 2025. After cutting off his electronic ankle monitor, he fled the area on April 24, 2026. A reward of $6,000 is available for tips leading to his arrest this month, along with an additional $5,000 from the U.S. Marshals Service. Muhsen is 5'11" tall, weighs around 120 pounds, and has tattoos on his neck and hands.
Public SafetyEleven Arrested as DPS Targets Human Trafficking in Central Texas
In a recent operation targeting human trafficking, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) arrested eleven men in Bell County, including four active-duty military personnel. Over three days, suspects engaged in explicit online conversations with individuals posing as minors aged 13 to 16. Nine men were charged with Solicitation of Prostitution of a Person Under 18, while two faced charges for Online Solicitation of a Minor. The operation underscores the collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat human trafficking. Victims or those with information can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888.
Public SafetySuspect in Attempted Murder of Trump Faces New Charge of Assault
A federal grand jury filed a new charge on Tuesday against the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. Cole Tomas Allen now faces an assault charge against a U.S. official after allegedly firing at a Secret Service agent while the agent was going through security at the Washington Hilton hotel. Federal prosecutor Jeanine Pirro previously reported that the shot struck the agent's bulletproof vest, but he survived. Allen had already been charged in a criminal complaint with three other counts: attempted murder of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, transporting a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce with the intent to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.
Public Safety'Student and staff safe': Secure lifted at Treasure Hills Elementary, district says
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Treasure Hills Elementary was briefly put in a secure status on Tuesday morning due to law enforcement activity in the area, according to the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District and Harlingen Police Department. The secure status has since been lifted, and all students and staff are safe, the district said in
Public SafetyDeath Penalty for Former FedEx Driver in the Murder of Athena Strand in 2022
DALLAS, Texas – On Tuesday, Tanner Horner was sentenced to death for the murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand. A Tarrant County judge issued the death sentence, which will be carried out by lethal injection. While awaiting this, Horner is not eligible for parole. This verdict comes after nearly three weeks of trial. CASE SUMMARY The murder of Athena Strand occurred in November 2022. At that time, her parents reported her missing, and her body was later found in a creek near their home in Wise County. Tanner Horner, a former FedEx driver, pleaded not guilty during a March 2023 arraignment, despite having confessed to police that he killed the girl. According to a detention document, Horner told police that he accidentally hit her with his delivery vehicle. During the trial, it was revealed that the former package driver coldly admitted to killing the girl. He had been arrested hours before the crime when investigators already had visual evidence of him putting the girl into the truck alive. This contradicted his initial account, which claimed he had backed over her and took her away in a panic. Images shown in court indicated the false location where he allegedly abandoned the body.
Public SafetyManhunt: Authorities Search for Veteran Accused of Attempting to Shoot His Wife
An intense manhunt is underway as Tennessee authorities search for a retired special forces veteran accused of shooting his wife during a domestic dispute early Friday morning. The Stewart County Sheriff's Office reported that they are 'actively searching' for Craig Berry, who is believed to be armed, in connection with an incident that occurred at his home in Dover, Tennessee. Officers arrived in the area around 1:30 a.m. on Friday; however, according to the sheriff's office, Berry fled into a nearby forest before they arrived. Berry's wife was taken to a medical facility, but her condition is unknown.
Public SafetyElderly Man Allegedly Caused Multi-Vehicle Accident at Alamo Flea Market
A multi-vehicle accident that occurred early in the morning at the Alamo Flea Market resulted in one person hospitalized and damage to several vehicles. According to the Alamo Police Department, the driver involved, an elderly man, struck at least four vehicles in the parking area. Authorities indicated that the man allegedly did not have a driver's license at the time of the incident. During the accident, one person in the parking lot was injured and taken to a hospital; however, the injuries were reported to be non-life-threatening. Police added that the alleged responsible party was cited at the scene following the crash and received a ticket.
Public SafetySecret Service Agent Arrested for 'Masturbating in Hotel Hallway,' Police Say
A U.S. Secret Service agent, John Andrew Spillman, 33, was placed on administrative leave after allegedly following a woman to her hotel room in Miami and masturbating near her door. Miami-Dade police arrested Spillman early Monday morning on a charge of indecent exposure at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. Security reported seeing him in the hallway, and upon police arrival, he was found in the act. The woman reported feeling threatened and quickly entered her room. Spillman, who was in Florida for security duties, remains in custody with a $1,000 bond. An internal investigation is underway.
Public SafetySecret Service Agent Arrested for 'Masturbating in Hotel Hallway,' According to Police
A U.S. Secret Service agent, John Andrew Spillman, 33, was placed on administrative leave after a woman reported he followed her to her hotel room in Miami and began masturbating near her door. Police responded to the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel on Northwest 72 Avenue following reports of a naked man in the sixth-floor hallway. Upon arrival, officers witnessed Spillman in the act. The woman expressed fear for her safety and entered her room. Spillman, who was in Florida for an event, was arrested without incident and remains in custody with a $1,000 bond. An internal investigation is underway.
Public SafetyPolice Seek Person of Interest in Brownsville Truck Theft
The Brownsville Police Department is seeking a person of interest in connection with the theft of a 2025 Dodge Ram truck. While specific details about the incident remain undisclosed, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. Individuals who recognize or can identify the suspect shown in the photographs are encouraged to report anonymously to the Crime Stoppers hotline at (956) 546-TIPS or through the website www.p3tips.com.
Public SafetyEdinburg mobile home and RV destroyed in fire
A fire early Wednesday morning destroyed a mobile home and an RV in Edinburg. The Edinburg Fire Department responded to the incident on North Doolittle Road around 3:43 a.m. Firefighters found both structures completely engulfed in flames. Fortunately, the resident of the mobile home was evacuated safely, and there were no reported injuries. The Hidalgo County Fire Marshal's Office is currently investigating the cause of the fire.
Public SafetyRaymondville suspect wanted on child sexual abuse charges arrested in Utah
Gustavo Angel Tanguma, a 22-year-old man wanted for child sexual abuse charges in Raymondville, has been arrested in Utah. The Raymondville Police Department is currently coordinating his extradition. Tanguma faces two counts of sexual assault of a child and one count of indecency with a child. His arrest occurred early Monday morning at approximately 1:30 a.m., aided by the U.S. Marshals. Further information regarding the case has not been disclosed.
Public SafetySuspected drunk driver in fatal Edinburg crash receives bond of over $1 million
Miguel Angel Suarez, the man charged in a fatal crash in Edinburg, was arraigned on multiple charges including intoxication manslaughter and aggravated assault. His bond was set at $1,025,000. The incident occurred at the intersection of Salinas Boulevard and West Monte Cristo Road, where Suarez allegedly ran a red light and collided with another vehicle, resulting in one woman's death and injuries to four others, including three children. Two of the injured children were transported to San Antonio for medical care. Suarez has a history of three prior DWI offenses.
Public SafetyHow the unreported killing of an American by ICE in South Padre Island shattered two Texas families
The tragic death of Ruben Ray Martinez, a 23-year-old shot by an ICE agent in South Padre Island in March 2025, has left deep scars on both his family and his friend Joshua Orta, who witnessed the incident. After the shooting, which was initially reported as an accident, it was revealed that a federal immigration officer was responsible, leading to outrage and grief. Joshua, who struggled with survivor's guilt, died in a car crash just hours after learning the truth about Ruben's death. The families are now seeking accountability and answers from authorities, who have remained largely silent.
Public SafetyPolice search for person of interest in Brownsville auto-theft case
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying and locating a person of interest in an auto-theft case. Police said the person of interest is connected to the theft of a 2025 Dodge Ram. Photos of the person of interest were captured on a surveillance camera. Anyone with
Public SafetyEdinburg daycare affiliated with child injury allegation closes down, attorney says
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An Edinburg daycare where a worker allegedly hit a 1-year-old boy after he wouldn't nap has been closed down, according to an attorney familiar with the case. Attorney Ricardo Salinas said that Grandma's Daycare was closed down in March. "It was shut down because this allegation just killed them, you know, and
Public SafetyWhat is known about the shooting in a Texas home where four family members were found dead
HOUSTON, Texas – Houston police reported that two adults and two children were found dead following a shooting in the affluent River Oaks neighborhood. The discovery was made at a residence located in the 2100 block of Kingston Street. Authorities stated that all four were found dead at the scene and are believed to be family members. Police were the only ones to enter the home, and it was the officers who discovered the four deceased individuals inside. It is believed that this may have been a case of homicide and suicide.