Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyMurder of Gabriella Nicole in Puerto Rico: Jury Deliberates in Trial Against Elvia Cabrera
What you need to know The jury begins deliberations today, Thursday, July 23, in the case against Elvia Cabrera. Cabrera faces charges of first-degree murder and possession and use of a deadly weapon. "En Detalle" with Walter Soto León and Marjorie Ramírez will broadcast the judicial process to provide all updates. This Thursday marks a decisive day in the case of the murder of Gabriela Nicole Pratts, the 16-year-old who was killed on August 11, 2025, in Puerto Rico, allegedly by her friend Anthonieska Avilés, with the presumed complicity of her mother, Elvia Cabrera. According to the Puerto Rico Prosecutor's Office, Cabrera allegedly acted "in agreement" with her daughter, Anthonieska Avilés Cabrera, who is also charged in the same case. Cabrera faces charges of first-degree murder and possession and use of a deadly weapon.
Public SafetyWoman killed in wrong-way crash in Cameron County
A tragic head-on collision occurred in Cameron County, resulting in the death of a woman and injuries to another individual. The incident took place at 8:52 a.m. on Wednesday on FM 511, south of State Highway 48. A Kenworth truck, driven by a male, was towing a tanker trailer and heading northbound. In contrast, a silver 2007 Toyota Scion, with a male driver and a female passenger, was traveling southbound in the wrong lane when it collided with the Kenworth. The female passenger died at the scene, while the driver was hospitalized in stable condition. The investigation is ongoing.
Public SafetyHarlingen PD partners with TxDOT to crack down on speeding
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Transportation is partnering with law enforcement agencies to crack down on speeding across the state. Operation Slowdown is an annual campaign by TxDOT to ramp up enforcement statewide and target drivers traveling at high and unsafe speeds. The Harlingen Police Department is one of many agencies teaming
Public SafetyLegal aid scam targets border residents
TRLA warns border residents about a scam targeting people seeking legal assistance, in which impostors are impersonating the nonprofit legal services organization and demanding payment from potential clients.
Public Safety1 killed, 1 hospitalized in wrong-way crash near Brownsville: DPS
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating a wrong-way crash that left one person dead on Wednesday morning near Brownsville. According to DPS, the crash occurred at approximately 8:52 a.m. on FM 511, south of State Highway 48 in Cameron County. A preliminary investigation found that a 2020 Red Kenworth,
Public SafetyTruck Driver Admits to Human Smuggling Scheme Disguised as Carrot Cargo
Rodney William Gipson, a 61-year-old truck driver from Houston, has pleaded guilty to smuggling 24 illegal aliens in his vehicle, disguised as a shipment of carrots. During a secondary inspection at the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint on February 19, authorities discovered the individuals hidden inside the trailer after a K-9 alerted them. Gipson, who has nearly 30 years of experience as a commercial driver, acknowledged he was aware of the illegal activity. He remains free on bond while awaiting sentencing, which could result in up to five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
Public SafetyBrownsville police investigate after body found in state of decomposition
The Brownsville Police Department is conducting an investigation following the discovery of a decomposed body on Central Boulevard. The body was found around 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday in the 2100 block by a pedestrian. Authorities report no immediate signs of foul play, and an autopsy has been ordered to ascertain the cause of death. The identity of the deceased male remains unknown, and the investigation is still active as police gather more information.
Public Safety$2.7 Million in Cocaine Intercepted at Pharr International Bridge
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr International Bridge seized nearly $2.8 million in cocaine hidden in a shipment labeled as bottled beverages. The interception occurred on July 15 when a tractor trailer from Reynosa, Mexico, was subjected to a secondary inspection. Using advanced nonintrusive inspection technology, officers detected irregularities in the trailer. A subsequent physical inspection revealed 79 packages of cocaine weighing a total of 208.33 pounds. The narcotics and the vehicle were confiscated, and Homeland Security Investigations has launched a criminal inquiry into the case.
Public SafetyInvestigation underway after decomposed body found in Brownsville, police say
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An investigation is underway after a decomposed body was found in Brownsville on Tuesday, according to the Brownsville Police Department. At about 9:15 p.m., police responded to the 2100 block of Central Boulevard after a pedestrian who was walking in the area called to report what appeared to be a dead
Public SafetyInvestigation Underway After Pickup Truck Falls into Drainage Canal
A black Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck fell into a ditch next to a drainage canal on Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of Hackberry Avenue and 2nd Street in McAllen. The vehicle ended up at the bottom of the ditch, next to the drain, for reasons that have yet to be determined. Images from the scene show that the truck sustained significant damage, particularly on one side. The condition of the driver and the number of passengers in the vehicle remain unknown. Authorities have not yet disclosed the causes of the accident. The investigation into the causes is ongoing.
Public SafetyTraffic Stop in Elsa Ends in Arrest for Alleged Drug Possession
A 24-year-old man from Edcouch, identified as David Isaiah Gutiérrez Jr., is facing a charge for possession of a controlled substance, in an amount of four grams or more but less than 200 grams. His bond has been set at $50,000. Elsa Police reported that the stop was conducted under the Stonegarden Operation at the intersection of North Austin Avenue and West 7th Street, noting that approximately 30 grams of suspected crack and $858 in cash were found during the traffic stop on Tuesday, July 21.
Public SafetyScammers Use Police to Extort Money from Residents in Rio Grande City
The Rio Grande City Police Department issued a warning to the community about a phone scam in which criminals impersonate police employees and demand money. The police clarified that the scammers call victims to falsely inform them that they are being investigated and require them to send money to prevent their information or situation from being posted on social media. The police emphasized that these calls are fraudulent and reminded that the department never asks for money over the phone or demands payments to avoid investigations or threats of publishing personal information. They recommend that anyone receiving such a call: do not send money, do not provide personal or financial information, and hang up immediately. If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, you can contact the Rio Grande City Police Department directly at (956) 487-8892.
Public SafetyNightly closures planned for westbound expressway lanes in Donna
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A portion of the westbound expressway lanes in Donna will be closed overnight for pavement repairs, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. The westbound lanes of Interstate 2 (I-2) are expected to have nightly closures between FM 493 Salinas Blvd and FM 1423 Valverde Rd in Donna through Friday. Crews
Public SafetyFBI Apprehends Notorious Fugitive in $547 Million Medicare Fraud Case
Khalid Satary, a 54-year-old foreign national, was arrested at Washington Dulles International Airport for his role in a $547 million Medicare fraud scheme involving unnecessary genetic testing. Charged in 2019, Satary allegedly operated diagnostic labs that billed Medicare for expensive tests, using deceptive marketing and illegal kickbacks. He had been on the run since 2022, fleeing the country after failing to appear in court. His apprehension on July 20, 2026, followed a coordinated effort by the FBI and other agencies. Satary faces multiple charges, including health care fraud and conspiracy, with potential prison sentences totaling up to 20 years.
Public SafetyNightly closures planned on WB I-2 in Donna thru July 24th
Westbound lanes of Interstate 2 (I-2) in Donna will be closed for pavement repairs from FM 493 (Salinas Blvd.) to FM 1423 (Valverde Rd.) nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. until July 24. During this time, traffic will be redirected to the I-2 frontage road. Motorists are advised to anticipate delays and plan their travel accordingly to avoid inconvenience.
Public SafetyBody of a man found in an advanced state of decomposition in Brownsville
Brownsville Police reported that the body was discovered on the night of Tuesday, July 21, after a citizen walking in the 2100 block of Central Boulevard came across what appeared to be a corpse and immediately alerted emergency services by calling 911. Upon arrival, officers located the body of a man in an advanced state of decomposition. Police stated that, so far, there are no obvious signs of foul play. However, an autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. The identity of the deceased has not yet been established as the investigation continues.
Public SafetySuspect Sought in Harlingen Sam's Club Theft
Harlingen Area Crime Stoppers has released a photograph of the suspect and is inviting anyone who may recognize her or know her whereabouts to provide information. Those with details about her identity can contact Harlingen Area Crime Stoppers anonymously at 956-425-8477 (TIPS), submit a report through the P3 Tips app, or visit the website www.425TIPS.com.
Public SafetySix academy cadets officially join ranks of McAllen Fire Department
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Six academy cadets officially joined the ranks of the McAllen Fire Department on Tuesday. After completing a nine-month academy, earning multiple certifications, and fulfilling their one-year probationary period, the graduates can now serve the McAllen community. McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, City Manager Isaac J. Tawil, and Fire Chief Juan A. Gloria
Public SafetyDriver accused of leaving scene of single-vehicle crash in Escobares
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Escobares Police Department is searching for a driver accused of leaving the scene of a single-vehicle crash on Tuesday morning. Police were dispatched to the crash site on Old Highway 83 in the Garceno area. At the scene, a crashed SUV was found unoccupied on the roadway. According to Escobares