Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyHidalgo Drainage District announces Diamondback Drive closure
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 announced its contractor will temporarily close Diamondback Drive to complete the drainage infrastructure improvements. According to a news release, the road closures are scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 25, and conclude at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30. The closures will
Public SafetyCity of La Joya warn residents of alligator sighting near Palm Shores, The Coves area
LA JOYA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The City of La Joya is warning its residents in the areas of Palm Shores and The Coves following reports of an alligator sighting. According to a social media post from the city officials, the alligator was reported in the area. City officials advise residents to avoid approaching or feeding the
Public SafetyDPS investigates crash in Sebastian that caused SUV to leave roadway, strike pedestrian
The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating a serious crash that occurred on May 23 at approximately 12:27 p.m. on Interstate Highway 69E, south of Sebastian. A Chevrolet Suburban, towing a Honda Pilot, collided with a black Nissan Altima while navigating slow traffic caused by an earlier rollover accident. The impact caused the Chevrolet to veer off the road, striking a male pedestrian who was standing in a ditch. The pedestrian was transported to Valley Baptist Medical Center and is currently in critical condition.
Public SafetySUV veers off road hits man in ditch, man in critical condition: DPS
SEBASTIAN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating an SUV rollover that led a Cherverolet towing a vehicle to veer off the road and hit a pedestrian. The crash happened at around 12:27 p.m. Saturday on IH-69E southbound. According to a DPS spokesperson, a preliminary investigation a black Nissan Altima and a Chevrolet Suburban
Public SafetyI can't believe I'm still here: Paraglider escapes death after collision with small plane
A 44-year-old paraglider survived a terrifying mid-air collision with a small plane while flying over the Austrian Alps near Piesendorf, Salzburg. The incident occurred when the pilot of the plane, who was 28 years old, reported he could not avoid the collision. The plane's propeller severely damaged the paraglider, prompting the experienced flyer to deploy her reserve parachute. She made an emergency landing and was airlifted by police helicopter. Both the paraglider and the pilot escaped serious injuries. A video of the incident was shared on Instagram, showing the dramatic moment of the collision and her subsequent descent.
Public SafetyApproximately 93 lbs of cocaine seized in Hidalgo County bridges: CBP
HIDALGO COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The United States and Border Protection officers seized approximately 93 pounds of alleged cocaine in two separate inspections. According to a news release from CBP, on May 10, a CBP officer stationed at the Hidalgo International Bridge referred a Honda sedan coming from Reynosa, Mexico, to a secondary inspection. X-Rays taken
Public SafetyRecords: Mission woman manipulated bedridden 88-year-old woman to steal $153K from her
Vanessa Corpus-Trevino, a woman from Mission, TX, has been arrested for allegedly stealing $153,000 from an 88-year-old bedridden woman over two years. The theft was reported in February 2024 by the elderly woman's son, who noticed unauthorized CashApp transactions linked to Corpus-Trevino. Despite the victim's initial desire to drop charges, the son later reported continued financial exploitation, including the unauthorized use of the victim's vehicle. Corpus-Trevino was arrested and is being held on a $200,000 bond. The investigation revealed that the victim was manipulated into giving money and loans without understanding the transactions.
Public SafetyBrownsville ISD police warning parents against parking along the highway near Veterans High School
The Brownsville ISD Police Department is urging parents to refrain from parking along Military Highway near Veterans High School due to safety issues. Officers have observed that parents are using the highway's shoulder for dropping off and picking up students, which forces children to cross a busy road. Police Sgt. Manuel Charles emphasized the importance of safety, acknowledging the traffic challenges but urging parents to prioritize their children's well-being. Starting May 26, 2026, there will be increased police presence in the area, and parents are encouraged to utilize the designated drop-off and pick-up zones on campus.
Public SafetyJudge dismisses criminal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported
A federal judge has dismissed human smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was wrongfully deported to El Salvador last year. The judge criticized the Justice Department for pursuing charges that appeared to be retaliatory after Garcia challenged his deportation. U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw noted evidence of 'presumptive vindictiveness' in the prosecution's timing and statements from Trump administration officials. Although Garcia won this legal battle, his future remains uncertain as officials have threatened to deport him to various African countries. Garcia, a Salvadoran citizen, has lived in the U.S. for years and has an American wife and child.
Public SafetyInterim appointed following resignation of Escobares police chief over DWI arrest
The Escobares city council has appointed Lt. Jesse Alvarez as the interim police chief after the resignation of Nelson Martinez, who stepped down following a DWI arrest on April 30 in La Grulla. The council convened a special meeting on Friday to address the situation. During a previous meeting on Thursday, the commissioners accepted Martinez's resignation. Alvarez expressed his honor in taking on the role, acknowledging the department's recent challenges and emphasizing his commitment to rebuilding trust within the police force under the new administration.
Public SafetyCameron County jails drop below capacity amid state compliance monitoring
Cameron County jails have recently dropped below state capacity limits, a necessary step to regain compliance after being found overcrowded in April. Sheriff Manny Treviño is collaborating with local judges and the district attorney to expedite court cases, addressing the issue of the state not transferring inmates to other facilities. The county is now required to report daily inmate numbers to the state for ongoing monitoring. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards confirmed the jails are under capacity but will continue to oversee the situation. A successful re-inspection could lead to a new compliance certificate, while failure may result in further inspections and potential population reductions.
Public SafetyTemporary Road Closure Scheduled for Diamondback Dr., May 26-June 30
Diamondback Dr. will be temporarily closed from Shary Rd. to Glasscock Rd. starting Monday, May 25, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. and is expected to reopen on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. This closure is part of drainage infrastructure improvements being carried out by Venser Contractors LLC for the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1. The project includes the installation of a 48-inch reinforced concrete pipe for stormwater drainage. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes and exercise caution in the area. The community's patience is appreciated during this construction period.
Public SafetyAnnual Memorial Service Honors DPS Personnel Lost in the Line of Duty
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) held its annual Peace Officers Memorial Service in Austin, honoring officers and non-commissioned employees who lost their lives in the line of duty. Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows and DPS leadership attended the event, which included a wreath-laying ceremony for Trooper Jerry Wayne Adamick Jr. and Trooper Daniel Robert Shown, whose names were recently added to the DPS Wall of Honor. The memorial features 245 names of DPS personnel who have died since the agency's inception in the 19th century, emphasizing the commitment to remember their sacrifices.
Public SafetyRoad closures happening in Harlingen due to graduation ceremonies
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Harlingen Police Department is advising the public about scheduled road closures due to high school graduations on Friday. Starting at 3 p.m., 13th Street will be closed from Jefferson Street to E. Harrison, and Jefferson Street will be closed between 13th Street and 77 Sunshine Strip. The graduation schedule is as
Public SafetyBorder Patrol Seizes Drug Shipment in the Rio Grande Valley
According to federal authorities, the seizure represents significant economic losses for drug trafficking groups and prevents the drugs from reaching the streets of the region. The federal agency reported that approximately 67 pounds of cocaine were confiscated. So far, no additional details have been released regarding the exact location of the seizure or any potential arrests related to the case.
Public SafetyChelsea Man Accused of Burning His 2-Year-Old Son with a Lighter and Choking His Nephew
A man from Chelsea, Massachusetts, appeared in court for arraignment on multiple assault-related charges after allegedly burning his 2-year-old son with a lighter and physically assaulting his 3-year-old nephew by hitting him and attempting to choke him. According to details presented in court, 19-year-old Kener Bautista-Zepeda allegedly assaulted both children and fled to Virginia after being confronted by his nephew's mother, who noticed a series of marks and injuries. Assistant District Attorney Allyson Portney stated that Bautista-Zepeda is charged with 'two counts of extreme violence against minors' living with him in the same home. He was indicted by a grand jury on May 20 on charges including assault, reckless endangerment of a child, strangulation, and suffocation. In court, it was detailed that on March 12, 2025, Chelsea police responded to a report of domestic violence. Upon arrival, they spoke with the mother of the 2-year-old, who reported that the night before, her boyfriend, Bautista-Zepeda, the child's father, 'had acted aggressively towards her.' He pushed and hit her, and during the argument, the 2-year-old began to cry, according to the report. Bautista-Zepeda became enraged and used a lighter to burn the child on the upper back. Officers observed the resulting burn on the child, indicating it was the size of a nickel. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visit www.thehotline.org, or text LOVEIS to 22522. Then, on April 5, Portney reported that Revere police went to Boston Medical Center to investigate a report that Bautista-Zepeda had physically assaulted another child, his 3-year-old nephew. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the child's mother, who stated that Bautista-Zepeda regularly cared for her son. She reported that several weeks earlier, she had noticed burns on her son's arm, apparently caused by a hot fork. After this incident, the mother installed a camera in the child's room, and on April 3, around 11 a.m., the camera recorded Bautista-Zepeda violently assaulting the child. Prosecutors indicated that the 30-second recording showed the child lying on the bed. The child gets up and walks towards Bautista-Zepeda with his arms outstretched, as if wanting to be picked up. Bautista-Zepeda is then seen lifting the child with both hands above his head, just inches from the ceiling, and then throwing him onto the bed. The child begins to cry in pain, and Bautista-Zepeda punches him three times in the abdomen, according to the recording. He then gets on top of the child, covering his mouth and nose with both hands and applying pressure to his neck, face, and nose for about 19 seconds. The child is seen struggling to breathe and trying to move while Bautista-Zepeda applies pressure. When the child's mother confronted Bautista-Zepeda and told him she had recorded the incident, he fled and turned off his cell phone. A month later, he was found hiding in a forest in Loudoun County, Virginia, last week. Defense attorney Lumina Sato did not oppose Bautista-Zepeda remaining held without bail, arguing that she wants to review all information before the dangerousness hearing scheduled for May 28. Bautista-Zepeda will remain in custody until that date. Bautista-Zepeda was charged with 12 counts related to domestic violence for injuries suffered by the two minors. He pleaded not guilty and was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing next week.
Public SafetyUnbelievable: Passenger Attempts to Open Airplane Door at 36,000 Feet
NEW JERSEY – A United Airlines flight that took off from Newark Liberty Airport had to make an emergency landing at Washington Dulles after a passenger allegedly tried to open a door mid-flight, according to the airline and air traffic controllers. The incident occurred Thursday night aboard United Flight 1551, which had departed Newark around 7 p.m. en route to Guatemala City. Hours later, the Boeing 737 Max 8, carrying 145 passengers and six crew members, landed safely at Dulles Airport in Virginia. Upon arrival, federal agents boarded the aircraft and arrested the involved passenger. Reports indicate that the man also allegedly attacked another passenger near the door he attempted to open. The severity of the victim's injuries has not yet been reported.
Public SafetyOfficer in Critical Condition After Being Shot at Indiana Hospital
A LaPorte County sheriff's deputy in Indiana was shot by a suspect inside the emergency room of a hospital in Michigan City on Friday and is in critical condition, authorities reported. In a press conference following the shooting, officials stated that Officer Jon Samuelson, 33, was shot while assisting what he believed to be a stranded motorist in need of medical attention. Indiana State Police Sergeant Glen Fifield said a preliminary investigation revealed that Samuelson had stopped to help someone he thought was a stranded driver whose vehicle had broken down around 6:45 a.m. in La Porte County, just outside Westville. Samuelson took the driver to Franciscan Health hospital in Michigan City at the man's request; however, once he exited the hospital building, he learned that the driver 'may have been involved in a prior criminal incident.' After returning to the hospital, a confrontation erupted in the emergency room, during which the suspect pulled out a firearm and shot at the officer, Fifield explained. The suspect then fled on foot, running through the parking lot toward a wooded area. 'Responding officers quickly located the suspect in that wooded area and took him into custody without further incident. During the search for the suspect, they were able to locate a gun that he had in his possession,' Fifield noted.
Public SafetyThe Rubio Murders: Exclusive access to the evidence
Editor's note: Content may be graphic and disturbing for viewers. HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — CBS 4 News obtained exclusive access to review and film the physical evidence collected in the John Allen Rubio capital murder case. Rubio was convicted of four counts of capital murder for mutilating and beheading his three children, Julissa, John, and Mary