Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyBrownsville PD investigates shots fired outside City Commissioner's home
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department is investigating shots fired in front of a sitting Brownsville City Commissioner's home, according to a news release. According to Brownsville police, the shooting occurred early Saturday morning. No injuries have been reported. "Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify suspects in the
Public SafetyInvestigation Underway After Shooting Outside Brownsville Commissioner's Residence
Brownsville police are actively investigating a shooting that occurred early on September 5, 2026, in front of a city commissioner's residence. Authorities confirmed that the case is ongoing, with detectives and specialized personnel working to identify and apprehend the suspects involved. The Brownsville Police Department emphasized its commitment to community safety and resolving such incidents, stating that the investigation will adhere strictly to the facts and evidence gathered. As of now, there are no reports of injuries or arrests, and charges will be filed once a crime is formally established.
Public Safety"I Was Born Again": Heartbreaking Testimony of Hispanic Woman Trapped Under a Car
A young woman named Ana, who was trapped under a Jeep after being hit in Miami Beach, shared her harrowing experience of waiting for rescue. She described the incident, which occurred near 71st Street and Bay Drive East while she was riding a scooter. Ana thought the driver was yielding, but the Jeep moved forward as she crossed. She attempted to shout for help as the vehicle rolled over her head and neck. Thanks to quick police response, she was freed and is now recovering, although she still grapples with emotional scars and avoids the gas station where the accident happened. Ana feels grateful for her second chance at life.
Public SafetyPassenger Taped to Seat After Becoming 'Violent' on American Airlines Flight
A passenger on an American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark was restrained with duct tape after becoming violent and making racist remarks towards another traveler. Witnesses reported chaos in the cabin, with flight attendants and other passengers struggling to control the man, who was bleeding and agitated. A security agent on board assisted in subduing him, as he reportedly shouted racial slurs at a man in a business suit. The flight, originally scheduled for 3.5 hours, was diverted to Baltimore and took 8 hours to reach Newark. American Airlines stated that law enforcement was involved and that they do not tolerate violence.
Public SafetyGaudencio Canales Barrera Found in Hidalgo County
Authorities have confirmed the safe return of 76-year-old Gaudencio Canales Barrera, who was reported missing in Hidalgo County. The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Department and the RGV Regional Alert System announced that the missing person alert has been officially closed. Canales Barrera was last seen on the evening of September 3, 2026, near Gracie Avenue in Mission, Texas. Due to his early-stage Alzheimer's diagnosis, the alert was critical as he was at risk of disorientation while driving his blue Chevrolet Colorado. With his recovery, all search efforts for the vehicle have also been discontinued.
Public SafetyMother Charged in Son's Death in Illinois Closely Followed Lindsay Clancy Case
Corie A. Walsh, a 38-year-old mother from Frankfort, Illinois, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of her 2-year-old son, Barrett. The incident occurred on September 1, when police found the child unresponsive and later determined he died from asphyxiation. Walsh was reportedly injured and found in a bathtub, and witnesses noted her recent interest in the high-profile case of Lindsay Clancy, who was accused of killing her three children. Walsh's attorney stated she was experiencing a psychotic episode at the time. Authorities have requested that she remain in custody without bail as she awaits her hearing.
Public SafetyValley Central Weekend Report: Hidalgo County Courthouse crash, Data Centers and Athlete of the week
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — On this week’s edition of ValleyCentral Weekend Report, Anchor Alejandra Yanez breaks down all the news of the week. Starting with the biggest stories of the week, in case you missed them. In one of the biggest stories of the week, 49-year-old Edinburg resident Jesus Alaniz is accused of driving his BMW into the front of
Valley ICE officer charged with lying about Minnesota shooting out on bond
Christian Jeremiah Castro, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer from the Rio Grande Valley, appeared in federal court in McAllen facing six charges of lying to the FBI related to a Minnesota shooting investigation. His bond was set at $75,000, and he was released after surrendering to authorities. Castro allegedly misled investigators about being attacked before he fired his weapon during an immigration operation in January 2026, injuring Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis. He faces both federal and state charges and must comply with bond conditions, including surrendering his passport and adhering to a curfew. His next hearing is on September 18 in Minnesota.
Peñitas man killed in three-vehicle crash near Palmview, DPS investigating
A three-vehicle accident near Palmview resulted in the death of 68-year-old Ruben Dario Molina Barron from Peñitas on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred around 1:47 p.m. at the intersection of Texan Road and 5 Mile Line. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, a Ford F-250 ran a stop sign and collided with Molina's Kia Optima, which was traveling south. The Ford then hit a FedEx truck. Molina was pronounced dead at the scene, while the Ford's driver and a passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
McAllen police seeking man wanted on domestic violence charges
The McAllen Police Department is seeking assistance from the public to locate 23-year-old Jakobie Deanthony Harris, who is wanted on multiple domestic violence charges. These include two counts of violating court orders, two counts of continuous family violence, one count of injuring a child, and another count of repeatedly violating court orders. The charges stem from a domestic assault incident and a protective order violation reported on September 3 at a residence in McAllen. Harris is approximately 6 feet tall, weighs 210 pounds, has black hair, and brown eyes. Anyone with information can contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at 956-687-8477.
Why Mexican cartels are increasingly using car bombs and other explosives
Mexican drug cartels are increasingly utilizing car bombs and explosives, raising concerns about escalating violence. The latest incident occurred in Ojocaliente, Zacatecas, where a car bomb explosion injured 11 people and damaged over 60 homes. Authorities reported 23 explosive attacks in Zacatecas this year, with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel vying for control. Experts suggest that these tactics are intended to intimidate rivals and pressure the government. While Mexico has historically resisted labeling cartel violence as terrorism, the Trump administration's designation of certain cartels as foreign terrorist organizations has intensified the discussion around this issue.
Mistrial is declared in Lindsay Clancy child killings case after jury deadlocks
A mistrial was declared in the Lindsay Clancy murder case after jurors in Plymouth, Massachusetts, could not reach a unanimous verdict regarding her responsibility for the deaths of her three children. Clancy, a former nurse, admitted to the killings but claimed she was suffering from postpartum psychosis. The jury deliberated for seven days, with reports of a juror's potential bias affecting the process. Clancy remains charged with murder and is expected to stay in a psychiatric hospital. Prosecutors have not yet decided on a second trial, emphasizing that the case is about justice for the children, not broader issues of mental health.
Public SafetyCBP: Agents rescued 8 migrants from locked train car
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio, Texas, sector say they recently rescued eight migrants, including a child, who had been locked inside a train car.
Public SafetyMcAllen police seek man wanted on several felony warrants
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — McAllen police are searching for a man wanted on several felony warrants stemming from a domestic-related investigation. Jakobie Deanthony Harris, 23, of McAllen, is wanted on two counts of violation of certain court orders, a third-degree felony; two counts of continuous violence against the family, a third-degree felony; injury to a
Public SafetyDPS investigating fatal crash north of Palmview
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating a fatal crash north of Palmview. According to a DPS spokesperson, one person died from injuries sustained in the two-vehicle crash on Texan Road and Mile 6 Road. Troopers are currently at the scene. This is a developing story.
Public SafetyTexas Game Wardens Urge Safe Boating This Labor Day Weekend
Texas Game Wardens are urging boaters to prioritize safety this Labor Day weekend as high temperatures draw many to lakes and rivers. They emphasize the importance of wearing life jackets, with statistics showing that 84% of boating fatalities involved individuals not wearing one. In 2025, Texas reported 178 boating incidents, leading to 50 deaths. Wardens will be patrolling to ensure compliance with safety regulations, including avoiding alcohol and using engine cut-off switches. Boaters are encouraged to have a float plan, know the rules, and monitor weather conditions to ensure a safe outing on the water.
Public SafetyCBP officers seize over $2.5M in Meth at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo seized over 280 pounds of methamphetamine, valued at approximately $2.5 million. The seizure took place on August 25, when a CBP officer referred a 2011 Honda CR-V for further inspection after a canine alert. During the secondary inspection, officers found the drugs hidden in the vehicle. Port Director Albert Flores emphasized the importance of CBP's vigilance and canine operations in preventing dangerous narcotics from entering local communities.
Public SafetyMcAllen Police Seek Man on Multiple Domestic Violence Charges
The McAllen Police Department is seeking public assistance to locate 23-year-old Jakobie Deanthony Harris, who is wanted following a domestic violence incident reported on September 3, 2026. A McAllen Municipal Court magistrate has issued formal arrest warrants after establishing probable cause for multiple charges, including two counts of violating specific court orders, two counts of continuous violence against the family, one count of injury to a minor, and one count of repeated violation of court orders. Anyone with information can contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at (956) 687-TIPS (956-687-8477) or through the 'P3 Tips' mobile app for a potential cash reward.
Public SafetyAuthorities Search for Gaudencio Canales Barrera, Missing in Mission
Authorities in Hidalgo County are searching for 76-year-old Gaudencio Canales Barrera, who was last seen on September 3, 2026, at 11:00 PM at 2702 Gracie Avenue in Mission, Texas. Canales suffers from early-stage Alzheimer's and requires immediate assistance. He is described as 5'06" tall, weighing 220 lbs, with medium complexion, brown eyes, and brown hair. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a dark shirt, black shorts, and white and black sneakers. Canales may be driving a blue 2016 Chevrolet Colorado with Texas license plate MRH2402. Anyone with information should contact 911 or the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Department.
