Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyBrownsville man speaking out after purchasing stolen gun from pawn shop
A Brownsville man, Jerome Crockett, 59, experienced a shocking turn of events after purchasing a Glock 17 for nearly $300 from a pawn shop, only to discover it was stolen. The gun was seized by Cameron County deputies during a traffic stop involving his son. Sheriff Manuel Treviño explained that the weapon was reported stolen from San Antonio. Crockett provided proof of purchase, which prevented his arrest. Investigators found the original owner had pawned the gun multiple times before reporting it stolen. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is now working to clear the weapon for return. Crockett plans to seek a refund and buy from a reputable store in the future.
Public SafetyEchoes across 23 years: The legal timeline of the Rubio murders
Channel 5 News will air a special documentary titled "Echoes from Brownsville: The Rubio Murders," detailing the tragic 2003 murders of three children by their parents in Brownsville. The film includes an interview with John Allen Rubio, who is on death row, and insights from the police involved in the case. After the children were discovered dead on March 11, 2003, their parents were arrested, leading to a death penalty trial for Rubio. His conviction was overturned in 2007, but he was retried in 2010 and found guilty again. Appeals have continued for over a decade, with a new execution date set for November 2023, pending a competency motion.
Public SafetyMexican man in cocaine-filled van arrested at Hidalgo bridge: CBP
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested a Mexican man accused of attempting to smuggle 45 pounds of cocaine across the Hidalgo International Bridge earlier this month. The drug bust happened on May 1 after a Chrysler Pacifica was sent to a secondary inspection following an alert from a K-9. Inside the
Public SafetyCBP Officers Seize More Than $14 Million in Meth at Pharr International Bridge
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Pharr International Bridge seized over $14 million worth of methamphetamine on May 16. The officers inspected a tractor trailer carrying lettuce from Reynosa, Mexico, using nonintrusive inspection equipment, which revealed anomalies. A subsequent physical inspection uncovered 307 packages of meth weighing a total of 1,644.64 pounds (746 kg). The narcotics and the vehicle were confiscated, and a criminal investigation was launched by Homeland Security Investigations. Port Director Carlos Rodriguez emphasized the importance of CBP's efforts in preventing dangerous drugs from reaching American streets.
Public SafetyCBP Officers Seize $604K in Cocaine at Hidalgo International Bridge
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge seized over $600,000 worth of cocaine on May 1. The drugs, weighing 45.23 pounds, were discovered in a Chrysler Pacifica driven by a 48-year-old Mexican man after a K-9 alert prompted a secondary inspection. A nonintrusive examination revealed 18 packages of suspected cocaine hidden in the vehicle. The total street value of the seized cocaine is estimated at $604,026. The narcotics and the vehicle were confiscated, and the driver was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations, which has launched a criminal investigation.
Public SafetyCharges Revealed for Suspect in Homicide and Assault Case in Alton
In a case that occurred in October 2025 in the city of Alton, authorities revealed that the accused, William Ricardo Hernández, faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, involuntary manslaughter, and murder. According to records, some of the charges were filed by the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office and others by the Alton Police Department. This case, reported on the night of October 23, 2025, on the 1400 block of North Oak Street, involved a 32-year-old woman who reported an attack by several individuals and identified Juventino Rosales, Danny Treviño, Crystal Treviño, and Vanessa Hernández as alleged participants. Rosales allegedly pointed a firearm at the victim's youngest son while trying to protect his mother. Hours later, officers responded to a crash near South Stewart and East Israel, where it was determined that 34-year-old William Hernández allegedly intentionally struck the vehicle occupied by Danny Treviño, his wife, and two minors. Treviño died as a result of injuries sustained at DHR Health hospital.
Public SafetyAfter five decades and 600 executions, these are the last words in Texas's death row
HOUSTON, Texas – Strapped to a gurney, moments from death, prisoners in Texas's execution chamber have been asked a solemn question since the state began administering lethal injections: Do you have any last statements? Over more than five decades, hundreds have spoken up, envisioning their entry into heaven, pleading for forgiveness, and trying to make amends for their crimes. They have lashed out at the judicial system, proclaimed their innocence, and condemned the death penalty. They have expressed acceptance and urged the warden to proceed: 'I’m ready.' 'Send me home.' 'Goodbye.' For a person to end up on the state's death row, a unanimous jury must find them guilty of capital murder, a crime that carries aggravating factors such as the murder of multiple victims or a law enforcement officer. The crimes of those executed have included the murders of wives and children, store clerks, and strangers. Among the condemned are serial killers, bank robbers, and self-proclaimed racists.
Public SafetyAfter DWI arrest, judge recommends Panama Unit cop spend 15 days in jail
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A judge on Wednesday recommended that former police Inv. Alexis Espinoza, who pleaded guilty in the Panama Unit corruption case, spend 15 days in jail for violating the terms of his supervised release. During a hearing on Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan F. Alanis determined Alexis Rigoberto Espinoza, 42, of
Public SafetyHeavy Police Mobilization in Alton Following Traffic Stop
Authorities are conducting an active investigation following an incident reported in the area of 7500 Moorfield in the city of Alton. The Alton Police Department confirmed that it all began as a traffic stop, although no further details about the incident have been released at this time. Reports indicate that there are no injuries or victims. Officials from the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office were also present at the scene, assisting with the operation. The Alton Police Department is in charge of the investigation. A team from Telemundo 40 is already on-site gathering information. This is a developing story; stay informed with Telemundo 40.
Public SafetyLarge Methamphetamine Shipment Found at Pharr International Bridge
On May 16, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials seized a significant amount of methamphetamine at the Pharr International Bridge. The drugs were hidden in a truck carrying lettuce from Reynosa, Mexico. During a physical inspection, officers discovered 307 packages of suspected methamphetamine weighing approximately 1,644 pounds, valued at nearly $14.7 million on the black market. CBP has confiscated both the drugs and the vehicle, and Homeland Security Investigations agents have launched a criminal investigation into the matter.
Public SafetyAutopsy Reveals Cause of Death for Woman Who Fell into Manhole in New York
A 56-year-old woman, Donika Gocaj, tragically died after falling into an uncovered manhole on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Witnesses reported that she screamed, 'I'm dying,' shortly after the incident, which occurred around midnight. An autopsy revealed that Gocaj died from severe injuries, including thermal inhalation burns and blunt force trauma to the chest, and her death was ruled accidental. Con Edison, the utility company responsible for the manhole covers, stated that surveillance footage indicated a large truck had dislodged the cover shortly before Gocaj parked her vehicle nearby. The company had a valid permit for work in the area at the time.
Public SafetyThe Rubio Murders: The Case
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In March 2003, John Allen Rubio and Angela Camacho were both arrested and charged in the deaths of their three young children, Julissa, John, and Mary Jane. Given the gruesome crime scene and overwhelming evidence, it would’ve seemed the case was a slam-dunk for state prosecutors. “The evidence matched, the bodies were
Public SafetyBoil water notice lifted in Edinburg, city says
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A boil water notice that was prompted by a water line break in Edinburg has been lifted, the city announced on Wednesday night. The notice was issued on Tuesday, affecting residents and businesses on McColl Road, Wisconsin Road, and Closner Boulevard. Residences one mile north of Canton Road and Jackson Road were
Public SafetyLos Fresnos CISD coach identified as Brownsville driver killed in weekend rollover crash
Aaron Alejandro Garcia, a 22-year-old man from Brownsville, was identified as the victim of a fatal rollover crash that occurred early Saturday morning on May 16, 2026. The incident took place on State Highway 550, where Garcia lost control of his 2010 black GMC Sierra while driving at an unsafe speed. He was a paraprofessional and coach within the Los Fresnos CISD, working at Liberty Memorial and Resaca Middle Schools. The district's Athletic Director expressed deep sadness over his passing, highlighting Garcia's positive influence on students and athletes. The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating the accident.
Public SafetyTwo crashes near Sebastian cause closure of southbound I-69E
Two accidents near Sebastian led to the closure of southbound I-69E, as reported by officials. Motorists are advised to avoid the area, anticipate delays, and seek alternate routes until the highway is reopened. The first rollover accident occurred at 1:42 p.m., followed by another crash at 2:30 p.m. The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating the incidents, with support from the Cameron County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office and Willacy County units managing traffic control.
Public SafetyFollowing OFAC Sanctions on Sinaloa Cartel Networks, Mexico Announces Investigation
Mexico's Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) announced on Wednesday that it is investigating 12 individuals and two legal entities identified by Washington for their ties to the Sinaloa Cartel. The UIF conducted a financial, tax, and corporate analysis to identify potential networks or operations involving illicit funds. In a statement, the agency under Mexico's Ministry of Finance reported that it is 'strengthening' actions against these individuals, who were sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for their connections to fentanyl trafficking and criminal groups associated with the Sinaloa Cartel, also known as the Pacific Cartel. 'Coordinated actions between Mexican and U.S. authorities enhance international cooperation mechanisms to prevent the misuse of the financial system, combat money laundering, and weaken the financial structures of organized crime,' the federal agency stated. The UIF's announcement follows OFAC's sanctions against more than 12 individuals and entities linked to the Sinaloa Cartel and its fentanyl trafficking operations into the United States. The two criminal structures are led by Armando de Jesús Ojeda Avilés, who heads a network dedicated to laundering money from fentanyl and other illicit drugs, and Jesús González Peñuelas, a fugitive who leads an organization with a long history of drug trafficking into the U.S. and money laundering for the cartel. The UIF reiterated its 'permanent coordination' with international authorities to 'protect the integrity of the financial system and mitigate risks associated with operations involving illicit funds.' This is not the first time OFAC has sanctioned individuals or businesses related to criminal organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel.
Public Safety19 Migrants Found Hidden in Drainage System at US-Mexico Border; Three Are Minors
A group of 19 Mexican migrants, including three minors, was found hiding in a drainage system at the border between California and Mexico, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported on Wednesday. The discovery occurred on the night of May 4, after the Border Patrol's remote surveillance system detected suspicious activity near the drainage tunnels. Immigration agents arrested sixteen adults and three unaccompanied minors attempting to enter the U.S. illegally. The Tunnel Team of the San Diego Sector had to clear the drainage system and ensure no additional individuals were hidden inside.
Public SafetyOver 1,600 pounds of meth hidden in lettuce shipment at Pharr bridge: CBP
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized 1,644 pounds of alleged methamphetamine hidden within a lettuce shipment at the Pharr International Bridge over the weekend, according to the federal agency. CBP officers said a tractor-trailer traveling from Reynosa, Mexico, was sent to a secondary inspection on Saturday. A nonintrusive inspection of
Public SafetyMemorial Day Weekend Travel Tips
AAA Texas predicts that 3.7 million Texans will travel at least 50 miles from home this Memorial Day Weekend, despite rising fuel prices. To minimize traffic congestion, especially on Thursday and Friday afternoons, travelers are advised to leave early. Key travel tips include checking vehicle conditions, maintaining proper tire pressure, and adhering to speed limits for better fuel efficiency. Additionally, the TxDOT's Click It or Ticket campaign emphasizes seatbelt use, with increased enforcement until May 31. Drivers should also remember to yield to emergency vehicles and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.