Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Wanted McAllen man arrested on family violence, protective order violation charges
McAllen police arrested Ramon Ayala III on April 30 after responding to a report of an intoxicated individual in the 100 block of East Sunflower Avenue. Ayala faces multiple felony charges, including continuous family violence and violations of a protective order. He was apprehended on three outstanding warrants and also charged with public intoxication, failure to identify himself, and possession of a controlled substance. Ayala is currently held at the Hidalgo County Jail with a bond set at $70,000.
Suspected drunk driver crashes into vehicle, killing a woman, injuring three children
A tragic accident in Edinburg on May 2 resulted in the death of 39-year-old Martha Luna Miranda and injuries to four others, including three children. The incident occurred at the intersection of Salinas Street and West Monte Cristo Road when 31-year-old Miguel Angel Suarez allegedly ran a red light while driving westbound in a truck. Miranda's husband, who was in the passenger seat, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Two boys, aged 9 and 5, were transported to San Antonio for medical care, while a 4-year-old girl was treated and released. Suarez faces charges of intoxication manslaughter and four counts of intoxication assault as the investigation continues.
Hidalgo County Sheriff Office search for missing 63-year-old man
The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is seeking assistance in finding a missing 63-year-old man named Cenobio Trejo. He was last seen at 2 a.m. on Sunday in the 400 block of Daisy Drive in Donna. Trejo is described as a Hispanic male, wearing a black cap, an olive shirt, blue jeans, and brown work boots. Authorities are concerned that his disappearance may pose a risk to his health and safety. Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office at 956-383-8114.
Suspect arrested in hours-long standoff at Edinburg smoke shop arraigned
Guadalupe Ernesto Garcia Jr. was arraigned on Sunday following an hours-long standoff at Got Vapes Smoke Shop in Edinburg. He faces charges of aggravated robbery, with a bond set at $200,000. The incident took place on Friday, May 1, when Garcia entered the shop armed and attempted to steal items. Fortunately, the manager and two employees inside managed to escape unharmed. The Edinburg Police Department responded to the scene after receiving reports of the robbery, and no injuries were reported during the standoff.
Public SafetyMan wanted under domestic charges, faces additional charges: Police
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A McAllen man wanted on domestic dispute charges was arrested. Ramon Ayala III was wanted on charges of continuous violence against the family, a third-degree felony and violation of protective order, a third-degree felony, as previously reported on ValleyCentral. On Thursday, McAllen police responded to the 100 block of East Sunflower regarding
Public SafetyDeputies searching for missing man in Donna
DONNA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is searching for a missing 63-year-old man. Cenobio Trejo was last seen Sunday around 2 a.m. at the 400 block of Daisy Drive in Donna, according to a Clear Alert. He is described as a 5'7", Hispanic man who weighs approximately 100 pounds with gray hair and
Public SafetyAlleged drunk driver kills woman, injures children in overnight Edinburg crash: Police
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A woman was killed and two children were seriously injured in an overnight two-vehicle crash involving an alleged intoxicated driver, according to the Edinburg Police Department. Police said the crash happened late Saturday night at the intersection of Salinas Street and West Monte Cristo Road. Investigators say a westbound vehicle, driven
Public SafetyUnited Flight Strikes Light Pole and Damages Delivery Truck During Landing
A United Airlines Boeing 767 flight from Venice, Italy, struck a light pole while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday afternoon. The incident involved flight 169, which landed safely despite the collision. A delivery truck on the New Jersey Turnpike was also damaged, and its driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries but has since been released. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident. United has removed the crew from service and is assessing the aircraft for damage, with a preliminary report expected in 30 days.
Public SafetyWATCH LIVE: Edinburg smoke shop suspect to be arraigned
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A 23-year-old man accused of aggravated robbery before barricading himself inside a smoke shop was arraigned on Sunday afternoon, according to the Edinburg Police Department. Guadalupe Ernesto Garcia Jr., of Edinburg, appeared in front of a judge on Sunday afternoon at the Edinburg Municipal Court, where he will be formally charged with
Public SafetyUnited Airlines Passenger Allegedly Tried to Enter Cockpit After Assaulting Crew Member
A United Airlines passenger allegedly assaulted a crew member and attempted to enter the cockpit before being removed by police at Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday night. The 48-year-old man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was detained and taken to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation. A second passenger declined medical attention, and no further injuries were reported. The FAA is investigating the incident, which occurred on flight 1837 arriving from the Dominican Republic. This year, nearly 500 reports of unruly passengers have been filed, with 110 occurring in April alone.
Public SafetyBuild-A-Bear recalls 36,000 Heart-Warming Hugs bears due to injury risk
Build-A-Bear is recalling approximately 36,000 Heartwarming Hugs Bears due to a serious risk of injury or death from a detached zipper that poses a choking hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall, which includes about 520 bears sold in Canada. The bears, priced at around $48, were sold between January and March 2026. Customers are advised to stop using the bears immediately and return them to the nearest Build-A-Bear store or request a shipping label online. No injuries have been reported, although a consumer in the UK noted a zipper issue. For more details, visit www.buildabear.com/recalls.
Public SafetyMan Accused of Attempting to Assassinate Trump at Correspondents' Dinner Under 'Suicide Precautions'
Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old man from Torrance, California, accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington last week, is under 'suicide precautions,' according to his attorneys. On Saturday, Allen's lawyers filed a motion in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia seeking to lift the suicide restrictions, arguing that they violate his rights under the due process clause and stating that Allen 'has not exhibited indications' of suicidal tendencies. 'Continued confinement under suicide precautions is unnecessary and violates Mr. Allen's due process rights by denying him dignity and access to resources within the jail,' the defense attorneys wrote. 'For these reasons, and any other reasons the court may determine during a hearing on the motion, Mr. Allen requests the court to order the DOC (Department of Corrections) to remove all suicide precautions.'
Public SafetyState of Texas: Camp Mystic owners abandon reopening plan after emotional hearing
The owners of Camp Mystic announced they will not reopen this summer. The decision came a day after an investigative hearing concluded where family members shared heart-wrenching testimony and investigators laid out hard truths as they examined the response to the July 2025 floods where 27 campers and counselors died.
Public SafetySouth Texas residents suing SpaceX over alleged home damage
A group of 80 South Texas plaintiffs are suing Elon Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX, alleging its rocket testing caused “massive” sonic booms that damaged their houses repeatedly over a two-year period. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. Southern District of Texas Court on Thursday, accusing the company of gross negligence and trespassing for loud
Cameron County residents suing SpaceX over alleged home damage
Sheriff Office: Man shoots security guard at Harlingen gentleman club
Barricaded Edinburg suspect in custody identified
Public SafetyWanted man shoots Gentleman's Club security after being kicked out: CCSO
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man is in custody after allegedly shooting a security guard at a Harlingen gentlemen’s club, according to the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office. Thomas Matthew Puente, 24, is charged with aggravated assault, a first‑degree felony, and possession of a controlled substance. Deputies responded Saturday to a reported shooting at the VIP Gentleman’s
Public SafetySuspect identified in Edinburg smoke shop robbery, barricade incident
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Edinburg Police Department identified the suspect who barricaded himself inside a smoke shop on Friday evening. Police said Guadalupe Ernesto Garcia Jr., 23, of Edinburg, is facing a charge of aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony. Officers and SWAT were dispatched at about 6 p.m. to a smoke shop in the
