Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyDPS identifies man killed in weekend rollover crash near Port of Brownsville
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Public Safety on Wednesday identified a man who was killed in a rollover crash over the weekend near Brownsville. Troopers say Aaron Alejandro Garcia, 22, of Brownsville, died from his injuries at Valley Regional Medical Center on Saturday. According to DPS, the crash occurred on State Highway
Public SafetyFormer U.S. Border Patrol Agent Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Taxpayers
A former U.S. Border Patrol Agent, Ramon Heriberto Cerda Jr., 41, from Eagle Pass, pleaded guilty in Del Rio federal court to defrauding the government. He misused official duty hours to run his personal business, El Eagle Mail, while falsely reporting work hours and collecting bi-weekly paychecks. Surveillance revealed that between April and June 2025, he spent work hours at home and at his business instead of fulfilling his duties. Cerda faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 after pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud. The FBI continues to investigate the case.
Public SafetyVictim Identified in Weekend Accident in Weslaco Area
The accident that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, May 16, took place on State Highway 550, north of SH 48, as it passes through Weslaco. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the driver was identified as Aaron Alejandro García, 22, a resident of Brownsville. Based on preliminary investigations, the black 2010 GMC Sierra was traveling northwest at an unsafe speed while navigating a curve. Emergency services later transported the young man to Valley Regional Medical Center, where he died from injuries sustained in the accident. DPS continues to investigate the circumstances of the crash.
Public SafetyEdinburg Police Release Most Wanted List
The Edinburg Police Department is seeking community assistance to locate individuals on their list of the top 10 most wanted. Raúl Lozano, who was already being sought, has been arrested. The remaining individuals on the list include Juan Miguel Herrera Gómez, wanted for murder; Francisco Arispe-Gil, accused of continuous sexual abuse of a minor; and Luis Gerardo Gutiérrez Escamilla, facing charges of sexual assault of a minor. Also listed are Pedro Domínguez, wanted for robbery; Julio David de la Garza, for evading arrest; and Celinda Salas, accused of belonging to a criminal organization, as well as manufacturing, delivering, and possessing marijuana. Additionally, David Beiza Valdez is wanted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, while José Ignacio Sánchez faces charges for assaulting a police officer. The police have urged residents to report any information related to the whereabouts of these individuals, even if it seems minor. Those with information can call 956-383-TIPS or 956-289-7700.
Public SafetyEdinburg, Alton police discuss social media dangers for kids
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Edinburg Police Department and the Alton Police Department are warning parents about children's internet use and providing tips to help make online use safer for kids. Alton police released a graphic of popular online apps that children may be using on their phones, tablets, or their parents' phones. The list of
Public Safety42 migrants found in hot trailer at Sarita checkpoint
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An Oklahoma man has been charged with trying to smuggle dozens of migrants through a South Texas federal checkpoint. Juan Nasario-Reyes, of Beaver, Oklahoma, was stopped on Friday at the Sarita checkpoint, which is 85-miles north of the U.S. Mexico border. Border Patrol agents say he appeared nervous when he was
Public SafetyEdinburg Issues Boil Water Advisory
The Edinburg Utilities Department has advised residents and businesses in several areas to boil water as a precaution after a contractor damaged a main water line. The advisory affects the area near Allen Drive, covering streets between McColl Road, Wisconsin Road, Closner Boulevard, and up to one mile north of Canton Road and Jackson Road, according to municipal authorities. Although repairs have been completed, the city issued the advisory as a precaution while they continue to monitor the system. Authorities recommend boiling water before consuming it, cooking, or using it for brushing teeth until further notice.
Public SafetyWater line break prompts boil water notice in Edinburg
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Tuesday night, the City of Edinburg announced that its Utilities Department issued a boil water notice for residents living near McColl Road, Wisconsin Road, Closner Boulevard, and one mile north of the intersection of Canton Road and Jackson Road. According to the city of Edinburg, a contractor struck a main water line
Public SafetyEdinburg Issues Boil Water Notice Near Allen Drive Area
The Edinburg Utilities Department has issued a boil water notice for residents and businesses in the area bordered by McColl Road, Wisconsin Road, Closner Boulevard, and extending one mile north of Canton and Jackson Roads. This precaution follows a contractor damaging a main water line near Allen Drive on May 19. Although repairs have been completed and normal service restored, the notice aims to ensure water quality. Residents are advised to boil water for at least two minutes before use, allow it to cool, and use bottled water if boiling is not possible. The city appreciates the community's understanding.
Public SafetyRio Grande City Police Identify Suspect in Restaurant Vandalism
Rio Grande City Police Chief José Solís reported that authorities have identified a suspect and are working to make an arrest following reports of broken glass, damage in the kitchen area, and issues with the main door of the establishment. The police stated that once the suspect is apprehended, he would face charges of 'burglary' and 'criminal vandalism.' Mario González, the restaurant owner, explained that the damages represent significant costs for the business, which has been operating in the community for 17 years, and expressed that 'with things as they are today, everything is more expensive, extremely expensive. These are unnecessary costs caused by this individual. The repair for the new window is estimated to be between one thousand and fifteen hundred dollars.' According to the owner, the suspect entered through a side window and caused damage inside the establishment. Security footage also shows the man carrying what appeared to be a rifle, although it was later confirmed to be a pellet gun.
Public SafetyThe Rubio Murders: The Crime
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In a border town where so-called border violence and organized crime seemed to be the most serious crimes around town, one unexpected, unimaginable triple murder on March 11, 2003, stunned the community. On that day, a Brownsville police officer was waved down by a frantic couple, who had just made a
Public SafetyRio Grande City restaurant hit by break-in attempt, suspect still at large
Rio Grande City police are investigating a break-in attempt at Starr Barbecue that occurred on Monday. Surveillance footage captured a man firing a gun at the restaurant's entrance and throwing a cinderblock through the drive-thru window when he couldn't gain entry. Owner Mario Gonzalez reported that the suspect, who has a history of burglaries, was seen carrying what appeared to be a rifle. Fortunately, nothing was stolen, and the estimated damage is around $1,200. Police are increasing patrols in the area and encouraging residents to remain vigilant. No arrests have been made yet, and the suspect remains at large.
Public SafetyDonna man dies after falling from scaffold at SpaceX, justice of the peace confirms
A 25-year-old man named Jose Bautista from Donna died after falling from a scaffold at a SpaceX facility near Starbase on May 15. According to Cameron County Justice of the Peace Mary Esther Sorola, Bautista fell eight feet and was transported to Valley Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 5:15 a.m. The preliminary autopsy indicated he suffered blunt force trauma. Starbase officials expressed condolences to Bautista's family, noting that the incident occurred outside city limits and that inquiries should be directed to SpaceX and relevant authorities. OSHA is currently investigating the incident.
Public SafetyInside the child sex abuse case that resulted in Ken Paxton office offering a plea deal of just one day in jail
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is facing backlash over a plea deal involving Adam Hoffman, a Waco man accused of sexually abusing a young boy. The deal allowed Hoffman to plead guilty to two misdemeanors and serve just one day in jail. Critics, including U.S. Senator John Cornyn and local officials, argue that the deal is too lenient, especially given Hoffman's admission of guilt. The case has raised questions about Paxton's commitment to tough-on-crime policies, especially as he seeks re-election. The victim's mother expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, stating it does not provide justice for her son.
Public SafetyATF agents and DPS troopers spotted at Mattress Galleria in McAllen
On Tuesday afternoon, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers were seen at Mattress Galleria in McAllen. The incident occurred at the intersection of Jackson Avenue and E. Expressway 83. A DPS trooper present at the location directed all inquiries to the ATF. Channel 5 News has contacted the ATF for more information regarding the law enforcement presence and will provide updates as they become available.
Public SafetyCity of Edinburg alerts residents about low water pressure
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Some residents in Edinburg may experience low water pressure after a contractor struck a water line, the city announced Tuesday afternoon. The low water pressure is expected to affect residents on Allen Drive until about 8 p.m. Emergency repairs are underway.
Public Safety25-year-old Donna man dies after falling from scaffold at SpaceX, justice of the peace confirms
A 25-year-old man named Jose Bautista from Donna died after falling eight feet from a scaffold at a SpaceX facility on May 15. Justice of the Peace Mary Esther Sorola confirmed the incident, stating that Bautista was transported to Valley Regional Medical Center by a SpaceX ambulance but succumbed to blunt force trauma from the fall. The Cameron County Sheriff's Office reported the death, which occurred outside city limits. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is currently investigating the incident. Starbase officials expressed condolences to Bautista's family and stated that inquiries should be directed to SpaceX and relevant authorities.
Public SafetyOut of state trucker arrested in failed human smuggling attempt of 42 in hot, locked trailer
A 43-year-old man from Beaver, Oklahoma, named Nasario-Reyes, has been arrested for attempting to smuggle 42 illegal aliens in a locked trailer. On May 16, he was stopped at a Border Patrol checkpoint in Sarita, where his nervous demeanor raised suspicions. A search revealed four individuals in the cab and 38 in the trailer, which was sealed from the outside, with no escape route. The trailer's interior temperature was about 92.5 degrees. Additionally, authorities found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. If convicted, he could face up to five years for smuggling and 40 years for drug charges.
Public SafetyOSHA investigating incident at Starbase
STARBASE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating an incident at Starbase. According to an OSHA spokesperson, the agency will have more information about the incident when the investigation is complete. This is a developing story. ValleyCentral will update this story as it becomes available.