Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyFisherman who caught 7.7 pounds of cocaine pleads guilty
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In March, when John Diaz took his son fishing, he found himself on the hook for about 7.7 pounds of cocaine. Diaz parked his truck near the Rio Grande, pulled out a pole and fished for about 45 minutes. Border Patrol couldn’t see what, exactly, Diaz did that day, but when
Public SafetyTexas Felon Found Guilty of Illegally Selling Dozens of Guns and Ammunition
A 45-year-old man from Houston, Jonathan Chimney, has been found guilty of illegally selling firearms and ammunition. Following a three-day trial that ended on May 7, U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt convicted him of multiple charges, including operating a firearms business without a license and being a felon in possession of firearms. Between February and July 2022, Chimney and an accomplice sold 66 firearms and 887 rounds of ammunition for around $41,000 during an undercover operation. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible fine of $250,000, with sentencing scheduled for September 8.
Public SafetyBridge replacement in Brownsville prompts road closures
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Starting Wednesday, a bridge replacement located on Minnesota Avenue in Brownsville will cause road closures until July 31, the Texas Department of Transportation announced. According to TXDOT, the road closures will affect traffic on Minnesota Avenue between Starship Road and Zafiro Drive. The Norton Drive between Minnesota Avenue and Morningside Drive
Public SafetyAlert Issued in Mission Due to Alligator Sighting at Seven Oaks Resort
In light of the animal's presence, residents and visitors have been urged to exercise caution near the ponds and surrounding areas. They were also advised to maintain a safe distance, closely supervise children and pets, and avoid approaching or feeding the alligator. Authorities stated they are currently working on a safe solution to capture and humanely relocate the animal. While these efforts continue, they requested patience and cooperation from the community to ensure the safety of both people and the alligator.
Public SafetyHidalgo County: Man Wanted for Organized Crime Charges
The suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Joseph Toribio Garza. The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office reported that he faces a state felony charge related to participation in organized criminal activity. The individual is described physically as having dark hair, brown eyes, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, and weighing 130 pounds. Reports can also be made anonymously through the Crime Stoppers hotline at 956-668-8477 or via the P3 app.
Public SafetyWomen’s Self-Defense Course, June 1st-3rd in Edinburg
The Edinburg Police Department is offering a Women’s Self-Defense Course from June 1 to June 3 at the CPL Derek Hernandez Police Training Facility, located at 1313 N. Doolittle Road. The sessions will run from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and are open to women aged 18 and older. Participants will learn essential self-defense skills to protect themselves from potential threats. Interested individuals can register online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RADJune123. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable clothing and footwear for the hands-on training sessions.
Public SafetyTRAFFIC ALERT- Minnesota Avenue Bridge Replacement in Brownsville, May 27th – July 31st
Starting May 27, the Minnesota Avenue Bridge in Brownsville will undergo replacement, leading to significant travel disruptions until July 31. The road will be closed to through traffic between Starship Road and Zafiro Drive, and Norton Drive will also be closed between Minnesota Avenue and Morningside Drive. A detour route has been established via Southmost Avenue. Commuters are encouraged to plan their trips accordingly and allow extra time for travel during this period.
Public SafetyTexas Authorities Find 20 Immigrants Hidden in a Truck
LAREDO, Texas – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported that it located 20 undocumented immigrants hidden inside a tractor-trailer during a traffic stop conducted as part of an operation in Webb County. The incident occurred on May 18 on IH-35 near mile marker 28. According to the official statement from the DPS, the driver attempted to flee on foot but was arrested immediately. The report stated that the 20 undocumented immigrants were hidden in the sleeper area of the tractor-trailer. The driver, 25-year-old Miguel Ángel Velázquez Chávez, a Mexican national, was charged with evading arrest and human smuggling, and was booked into the Webb County Jail, the DPS said.
Public SafetyMultiple Accidents on IH-69E Near Sebastian; Caution Advised
The Willacy County Sheriff's Office reported multiple accidents on the southbound lanes of IH-69E near the FM 1018 overpass close to Sebastian. On Wednesday, a fourth accident was confirmed, prompting emergency responders to remain on the scene and manage traffic disruptions in the area. Additionally, another incident involving two vehicles occurred near the border of Willacy and Cameron counties, with one vehicle blocking the northbound lanes and the other in the southbound lanes of IH-69E. Authorities urge drivers to slow down as emergency operations continue.
Public SafetyState to decide if theyll seek death penalty against Peñitas double homicide suspect
In August, prosecutors will determine if Pedro Ismael Garcia, accused in a Peñitas double homicide, will face the death penalty. Garcia pleaded not guilty to capital murder charges for the deaths of Mario Morales Jr. and Maria Del Socorro Farias, whose bodies were found burned in a vehicle on February 3. Four men, including Garcia, were arrested for capital murder, while two women face charges for tampering with evidence. An autopsy revealed the victims died from gunshot wounds. A pretrial hearing for Garcia is scheduled for August 3, with other suspects having hearings in July and June.
Public SafetyFollowing teen drowning, questions arise over security at canal near Mercedes
A Progreso ISD student, 17-year-old Samuel Hernandez, drowned in a privately owned canal near Mercedes while fishing with friends on May 24. The canal is maintained by the Hidalgo and Cameron Counties Irrigation District Number 9, which prohibits fishing and has two gates to limit access. Local law enforcement and Texas Parks and Wildlife are tasked with preventing trespassing. Following the incident, questions have arisen regarding the adequacy of warning signs and security measures around the canal. Progreso ISD has postponed its school board meeting and is providing counseling services for students and staff affected by the tragedy.
Public SafetyTxDOT launches Click It or Ticket campaign for extra law enforcement presence on the road
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has initiated the Click It or Ticket campaign to enhance law enforcement presence on the roads, focusing on unbuckled drivers and passengers. This two-week effort begins on May 18, 2026, with officers actively monitoring seat belt compliance. In 2025, 965 fatalities in Texas traffic accidents involved individuals not wearing seat belts, a 10% decrease from the previous year. TxDOT emphasizes the importance of seat belts, stating they can be life-saving. Texas law mandates that all occupants buckle up, with fines up to $200 for non-compliance. The campaign aims to promote safety and has reportedly saved over 8,600 lives since 2002.
Public SafetyPark vandalism investigation underway in Laguna Vista
LAGUNA VISTA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — City officials in Laguna Vista are working to locate two people accused of vandalizing a park over the weekend. In a press release issued on Tuesday, Laguna Vista City Manager Victor Trevino said the two people, identified as "young men," broke a component of a new musical module at Roloff Park.
Public SafetyMcAllen Builds Safer Streets with New Roundabouts
The City of McAllen is enhancing roadway safety and traffic flow by introducing modern roundabouts at key intersections. These traffic circles use a yield-on-entry system, which helps reduce congestion and the likelihood of severe accidents by up to 90%, according to TxDOT. The first roundabout is located at Freddy Gonzalez Drive and 33rd Street, part of a broader initiative to modernize the city’s infrastructure. City Manager Isaac J. Tawil emphasized the importance of safety in infrastructure decisions as McAllen grows. Four additional roundabouts are planned as funding becomes available, aiming to improve mobility while maintaining lower travel speeds.
Public SafetyTrash Linked to Clogged Drains in Edinburg causing Flooding at Richard R. Flores Cat Stadium
Edinburg Mayor Omar Ochoa is urging residents to avoid littering streets and storm drains after heavy rains caused flooding at Richard R. Flores Cat Stadium and the city’s parks and recreation building. City crews discovered clogged manholes filled with debris that obstructed water flow. After clearing the trash, including grass clippings and sludge, drainage systems resumed normal function. Ochoa emphasized that improper waste disposal leads to neighborhood flooding and encouraged residents to properly dispose of yard waste. He also reminded the community to monitor waste disposal practices to prevent future issues.
Public SafetyForensic: Two Children Were Murdered Before the Car Fire in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO – The medical examiner revealed findings from the autopsies of two minors whose bodies were found in a burned car. The children were identified as Aleeza Elena Vidal, 6, and Adrián Akeel Vidal, 4. The cause of death for both was homicide by multiple stab wounds. This means the children's bodies were charred, but they died before the vehicle was set on fire. The case involves Marlene Vidal, the suspect in the deaths of her two children, who faces three aggravating factors necessary for the death penalty. The incident began on May 15, 2026, when a fire was reported between 5:00 and 6:00 AM in the parking lot of a warehouse located at 512 Richland Hills Drive in San Antonio. According to San Antonio Police, the victims were two children, later confirmed to be a girl and a boy with autism. The police reported that the mother was present at the scene during the investigation and allegedly told authorities, 'I am the one you are looking for.' She was subsequently arrested and taken in for questioning. Authorities stated that a man walking his dog saw the burning vehicle, while another woman claimed to have called 911 to report the fire. After extinguishing the flames, firefighters found the severely burned bodies of the minors inside the vehicle. Regarding the death penalty, on May 15, 2026, the day of the arrest, the suspect had her initial hearing where the criminal charges against her were formally read, and a public defender was requested. Mental health services or special needs were also mentioned. Court records show that the preliminary hearing was scheduled for August 13, 2026, but it was canceled. The suspect was given two bail amounts: $100,000 for the arson charge and an additional $1 million for the capital murder charges. In Texas, capital murder trials have two mandatory phases. In the guilt or innocence phase, the jury decides if the prosecution proved the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. The sentencing phase only occurs if the defendant is found guilty. Depending on the verdict, the sentence can be the death penalty or life in prison without parole if the prosecution does not seek the death penalty or if the jury does not approve it. For this suspect, it is too early to know if the death penalty will be sought.
Public SafetyChemical Tank Implosion at Paper Plant in Washington Leaves Dead and Injured
Authorities reported that 10 people, including a firefighter, were injured after a chemical tank imploded at a pulp and paper plant in Washington state on Tuesday. However, they declined to disclose how many workers had died or were missing. In a joint statement, authorities and Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. confirmed that the tank rupture caused 'multiple critical injuries' in addition to fatalities. Cowlitz Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein stated at a press conference that it was unclear how many workers had died. When asked how many were still missing, he replied, 'We have information on that, but we are not going to disclose that information.' Authorities noted that some victims suffered burns or inhalation injuries, but there was no immediate threat to the public. The statement, issued more than four hours after the tank imploded at 7:15 a.m., indicated that recovery operations were ongoing and that identifying information about the victims would not be released until family members were notified. Some people waited at the company's visitor entrance on Tuesday for information about loved ones who worked at the facility but declined to comment to an Associated Press reporter. The Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. facility is a pulp and paper and liquid packaging plant that produces materials for paper towels, printing paper, cups, plates, cardboard boxes, and other products. It employs about 1,000 people, according to the Washington State Department of Ecology. The tank that imploded contained a chemical mixture known as 'white liquor,' a corrosive substance primarily made up of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide, used to break down wood for making kraft paper, a durable type of paper used in packaging, shopping bags, and other products. Mike Gorsuch, battalion chief of the fire department in Longview, Washington, described it as a 'scene with a large number of victims.' He explained that rescuers decontaminated patients and transported them to hospitals in Longview and Vancouver, Washington. About 40 firefighters and paramedics responded to the scene, along with a regional hazardous materials team, Gorsuch indicated.
Public SafetyOperation Take Back America Sweeps Up Out-of-State Truck Driver, 272 Others
The Southern District of Texas has filed 271 new immigration and border security-related cases from May 15-21 as part of Operation Take Back America. Among those charged, 249 individuals are accused of being in the U.S. illegally, with 67 facing charges for illegal entry and 182 for reentry. Many have prior convictions for narcotics, violent crimes, and immigration offenses. Additionally, 19 individuals are implicated in human smuggling. This initiative aims to enhance public safety and secure the border by addressing illegal immigration and dismantling criminal organizations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office serves 43 counties and over 10 million residents.
Public SafetyAuthorities Seek Person of Interest in Rio Grande City
The Rio Grande City Police Department has released photographs of an individual they are trying to locate as part of an ongoing investigation. They are asking anyone who recognizes the person or has information about the case to contact the Rio Grande City Crime Stoppers hotline. Authorities reminded the public that all reports can be made anonymously by calling 956-488-8477.