Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyBrownsville police investigating possible murder-suicide at hotel
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man and a woman were found dead with gunshot wounds to their head inside a Brownsville hotel on Thursday afternoon, according to the Brownsville Police Department. Police said that at approximately 12:34 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of Sunrise Blvd regarding a death investigation. At the scene, officers
Public SafetyTRAFFIC ALERT- Eastbound I-2 frontage road closure in McAllen due to water main break
The eastbound frontage road of I-2 in McAllen, located between 23rd and 26th Streets, is closed due to a water main break. This closure will last until tomorrow morning, May 29th, although this timeline may change. Repairs may necessitate cutting into the roadway to access the water line for further work. Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes during this period.
Public SafetyTexas DPS Enhances Aerial Surveillance Capabilities with New Fleet Additions
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has added a Bell 407 helicopter to its fleet, the first since the 1980s, enhancing its aerial law enforcement capabilities. This aircraft, capable of carrying six passengers and reaching speeds of 135 knots, will be based in Austin and support operations across Central Texas. DPS plans to upgrade the helicopter by 2026 with advanced technology, including police radio systems and thermal imaging. The Aircraft Operations Division (AOD) is one of the largest airborne law enforcement units in the U.S., with over 27 aircraft and 100 personnel dedicated to various missions, including border security and crime scene investigations.
Public SafetySeveral People Rescued from Roller Coaster on the Texas Coast
HOUSTON – Authorities responded to an incident at Galveston's Pleasure Pier after several people became trapped on a ride. This is a developing story, and we will update this information.
Public SafetyVehicle Theft Sparks Chase, Ends with Two Arrests in Edinburg
Authorities arrested a man and a woman following a chase related to the alleged theft of a vehicle in Hidalgo County. According to María Hernández, spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the pursuit began after the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a stolen vehicle. DPS later joined the operation and successfully apprehended the suspects in the area of Tower Road and Wisconsin, north of Edinburg. Authorities have not disclosed the identities of those arrested or additional details about the case. The Department of Public Safety is in charge of the investigation.
Public SafetyRoad remains closed after water line break reported near South McAllen Water Plant
City officials reported a water line break near the South McAllen Water Plant, potentially leading to temporary water service disruptions. The break, located at the intersection of S. 23rd Street and Expressway 83, was identified on Wednesday evening. As a result, the eastbound I-2 frontage road in McAllen is closed between 23rd and 26th Streets. A spokesperson from the Texas Department of Transportation confirmed the closure remains in effect as of Thursday morning. Additionally, residents may experience lower water pressure. No timeline for repairs or the cause of the break has been provided, and drivers are urged to find alternate routes.
Public SafetyBrownsville Police Investigate Deaths of Two People in Hotel
The Brownsville Police Department is investigating the deaths of two individuals found inside a hotel room on Thursday afternoon. Authorities reported that the incident occurred around 12:34 p.m. at the Holiday Inn located in the 600 block of Sunrise Blvd. According to preliminary information, hotel staff discovered an adult man and an adult woman deceased in the room, both appearing to have gunshot wounds to the head. A firearm was also located at the scene. Investigators indicated that, at this time, the case is being handled as a possible murder-suicide. The investigation remains active, and authorities stated that no further details are available at this moment. This is a developing story, and we will provide more information as authorities release it.
Public Safety26 Migrants Rescued from Sealed Wooden Container at Falfurrias Checkpoint
Border Patrol agents rescued 26 undocumented migrants who were being transported inside a completely sealed wooden compartment in a trailer near the Falfurrias, Texas immigration checkpoint. According to authorities, among the migrants were two unaccompanied minors. The compartment was hidden beneath bags of mulch and had been nailed shut from the outside, leaving no escape for those inside. The Border Patrol reported that a K9 alerted to the gooseneck trailer during a routine inspection, leading agents to discover the hidden compartment. Authorities noted that all 26 migrants were successfully rescued and are undergoing immigration processing pending deportation. The driver of the vehicle was arrested and now faces federal charges related to human trafficking. Federal authorities described the case as an example of the dangers faced by individuals due to human trafficking networks and reiterated their commitment to pursuing such crimes.
Public SafetyRaging fire destroys residential complex in Dallas; injuries reported
Multiple teams with at least 100 firefighters are battling a four-alarm fire in the Bishop Arts area, southwest of downtown Dallas. The blaze has been brought under control, but the search for individuals is now underway. Authorities report that the complex housed 23 residents, with four people injured and hospitalized. 'So far, one person has been taken to the hospital; however, that number could easily change depending on how many people were in their apartments at the time of the incident,' said a spokesperson for the Dallas Fire Department. A Dallas police officer stated that the fire likely started with an explosion, and the 911 call came in at 12:47 p.m. on Thursday. A local resident told Telemundo 39 that the explosion was heard several blocks away and that they smelled a strong odor of gas, but firefighters have yet to determine the cause of the fire. In a press conference, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson stated that those affected will receive all possible assistance and welcomed residents of the area to seek help as well. Firefighters indicated that they have deployed all available equipment, and it is unknown if there are any fatalities. There is also no information on the injured person. Residents and motorists are advised to avoid the area of E. 9th St. and Patton Ave.
Public Safety16-Year-Old Charged with Human Trafficking in Brownsville
A 16-year-old was arrested after attempting to flee from Border Patrol agents near Brownsville, Texas, in a case related to alleged human trafficking. According to federal authorities, the minor tried to evade agents during a chase that ended when the vehicle crashed. Following the incident, the teenager was detained and now faces state charges for evading arrest and human trafficking. Authorities reported that the undocumented individuals involved in the case will be processed for deportation. The Border Patrol reiterated that participating in human trafficking activities can lead to serious legal consequences, even for minors.
Public SafetyCaregiver Allegedly Killed Her Partner and Transported the Remains in a Suitcase
The girlfriend and caregiver of a man is accused of shooting him multiple times in the head before receiving help from her immediate family to transport him to the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, according to the district attorney. This came to light after the discovery of the human remains of Vincent Good, 53, in a suitcase and two garbage bags in an alley on the 600 block of East Hilton Street on May 22, 2026. District Attorney Larry Krasner and the attorney assigned to the case stated in a press conference that four people have been arrested and charged in connection with the crime. These include a mother, her sister, her daughter, and the daughter's boyfriend, who lived in the house where the caregiver was taking care of the victim on Leonard Street. The alleged perpetrators are Liza Ridley, 53, the victim's girlfriend and caregiver, facing charges of homicide, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy to commit murder, and related offenses; Bernadette Ridley, 55, the caregiver's sister, facing charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and related offenses; Liza Robinson, 32, the caregiver's daughter, facing charges of tampering with evidence and related offenses; and Gnaeus Daniels, 33, the daughter's boyfriend, facing charges of tampering with evidence and related offenses. According to the investigation, a Lyft driver picked up the suspect (Liza Ridley) with a suitcase that had an unbearable odor. When asked about the smell, she claimed it was
Public SafetyAlligator spotted at Mission RV resort, city says
A small alligator was spotted at the Seven Oaks Resort in Mission, prompting city officials to take action. In a news release, the city announced plans to safely trap and relocate the alligator from the RV resort located at 801 South Inspiration Road. Residents are advised to exercise caution near ponds and surrounding areas. The city urges the public to maintain a safe distance, supervise children and pets, and avoid approaching or feeding the alligator.
Public SafetyWater line break prompts overnight road closure in McAllen
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A portion of the eastbound frontage road in McAllen will be fully closed until further notice as utility crews work to repair a water break in the area, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. TxDOT said that the water line ruptured on Wednesday night, prompting road closures on the eastbound
Public SafetyHidalgo businessman admits to filing fraudulent customs paperwork
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A businessman who submitted fraudulent customs paperwork to avoid taxes and tariffs pleaded guilty on Wednesday. Mauro Esteban Garza Torres, who owns GMT Machinery in Hidalgo, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan F. Alanis on Wednesday afternoon. “Guilty,” Garza said. Garza grew up in Mexico, according to a report prepared by
Public SafetyWater main break reported near South McAllen Water Plant
City officials reported a water main break near the South McAllen Water Plant, potentially disrupting water service in the vicinity. The incident occurred at the intersection of S. 23rd Street and Expressway 83 on Wednesday evening. As a result, the Texas Department of Transportation has closed the eastbound I-2 frontage road between 23rd and 26th Streets. Residents may experience lower water pressure due to the break. There is currently no timeline for repairs or information on the cause. Drivers are urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes.
Public SafetyRecovery Efforts Underway: 11 Dead from Tank Implosion at Paper Mill
Authorities in Washington state have confirmed 11 fatalities following the implosion of a chemical tank at the Nippon Dynawave paper plant in Longview. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday morning, has been declared the deadliest industrial accident in the state's modern history. The tank, designed to hold 900,000 gallons of hazardous chemicals, was approximately 60% full at the time of the explosion. Rescue operations have transitioned to recovery efforts, with officials stating that no survivors are expected. Seven other employees are hospitalized with injuries, while environmental assessments indicate no immediate danger to local water supplies.
Public SafetyAlligator spotted at RV park in south Mission
MISSION, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An alligator was spotted at an RV park in south Mission, the city announced on Wednesday afternoon. The alligator was located at Seven Oaks Resort, an RV park located near several bodies of water, including the Rio Grande. The city of Mission advises the public to practice caution around water and the
Public SafetyConcerned about unsigned paperwork, jury finds man not guilty of illegally returning to the U.S. after deportation
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — After a two-day trial, a jury deliberated for less than three hours Wednesday before finding a 55-year-old man not guilty of illegally returning to the United States after being deported. A jury of six men and six women found Javier Segura Martinez, a 55-year-old man from Mexico, not guilty on Wednesday
Public SafetyHard Narcotics Valued at Over $455K Seized by CBP Officers in Laredo
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry seized over $455,000 worth of narcotics, including 32.84 pounds of cocaine and 288.1 grams of ketamine, on May 22. The drugs were discovered during a secondary inspection of a 75-year-old U.S. citizen driving a 2011 Volvo XC60. Fourteen packages containing the drugs were found after a canine and nonintrusive inspection. The narcotics were valued at $455,882, and both the drugs and the vehicle were seized. Homeland Security Investigations has arrested the driver and is conducting further investigations.