Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyRio Grande City man pleads not guilty in Peñitas capital murder case
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Rio Grande City man accused in the February shooting deaths of a man and a woman whose bodies were found in a burning vehicle in Peñitas pleaded not guilty to capital murder on Monday. Juan Antonio Alvarado, 36, of Rio Grande City, was indicted in the 92nd District Court on
Public SafetyKansas City Chiefs Player May Be Involved in Accident; Dallas Police Are Searching for Him
Rashee Rice, a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, is facing legal troubles following a multi-vehicle accident in Dallas in March 2024. Court documents reveal that he tested positive for THC, violating his probation from the incident. As a result, he has been ordered to serve 30 days in jail, with a release date set for June 16. Rice, 25, had previously missed the first six games of the last season due to the NFL's personal conduct policy. He was found guilty of two third-degree felonies related to the crash and is also responsible for the victims' medical expenses.
Public SafetyWorker Identified After Fatal Incident at Starbase; Authorities Investigate
Cameron County Justice of the Peace María Esther Sorola reported that the victim has been identified as 25-year-old José Bautista, who is believed to be a resident of Donna, Texas. According to authorities, the worker was performing tasks at heights early in the morning on May 15, around 5:15 a.m., when he fell and was subsequently struck by a beam. The justice of the peace indicated that an autopsy has been ordered, and the preliminary report stated that the young man suffered severe trauma due to the impact. Meanwhile, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced that the accident at Starbase is under investigation and that more details will be provided once the report is completed.
Public SafetyWorker Identified After Fatal Incident at SpaceX Facilities
Authorities have identified the deceased worker at SpaceX as 25-year-old José Bautista, reportedly a resident of Donna, Texas. Justice of the Peace María Esther Sorola confirmed that an autopsy has been ordered following the incident that occurred on May 15 around 5:15 AM. Bautista was performing work at heights when he reportedly fell, and a beam subsequently fell on him, causing severe trauma. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident is ongoing.
Public SafetyEvery day I miss them: John Allen Rubio expresses remorse for beheading his three children
John Allen Rubio, a Brownsville father sentenced to death for the beheading of his three children nearly 23 years ago, has expressed remorse in a recent interview with Channel 5 News. Scheduled for execution in November, Rubio recalls the tragic events, claiming his daughter Julissa exhibited strange behavior before the murders. He believes she was possessed and admits to killing their pet hamsters first. Prosecutors assert that Rubio was competent during the crimes, while his defense argues otherwise. A documentary titled "Echoes from Brownsville: The Rubio Murders" will air this Thursday at 10:30 p.m.
Public SafetyChannel 5 News documentary revisits the Rubio murders in Brownsville
John Allen Rubio, convicted of murdering and beheading his children 23 years ago, is scheduled for execution. The Brownsville native gave an exclusive interview to Channel 5 News reporter Stefany Rosales, reflecting on the crime that horrified the Rio Grande Valley. This interview is part of a documentary titled 'Echoes from Brownsville: The Rubio Murders,' which will air on Thursday, May 21, at 10:30 p.m. Rosales discusses her experience interviewing Rubio in a video accompanying the announcement. The documentary aims to revisit the tragic events surrounding the case.
Public Safety'Look at the animals around you': Officials warn residents about screwworm threat
WESLACO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Officials across the Rio Grande Valley say there is no reason to panic over the New World screwworm, but they are urging residents to stay alert as the flesh-eating parasite moves closer to the U.S.-Mexico border. County judges from Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr and Willacy counties met in Weslaco on Monday to
Public SafetyCrime stoppers tip leads to arrest, drug seizure at Brownsville home: CCSO
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Crime Stoppers tip led investigators to a "mid-level" narcotics seizure at a Brownsville home, according to a news release from the Cameron County Sheriff's Office. Brandon Duran, 28, was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana and manufacture/delivery of controlled substance PG-1. On May 15, Cameron County special investigators responded to
Public SafetyHomicide investigation underway in Progeso
PROGRESO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Progreso police are investigating the death of a Brownsville man. Progreso police Chief Al Perez said a homicide occurred Friday morning on FM 88, north of Military 281. The Progreso Police Department identified the man as 63-year-old Alexander Valentin Franco of Brownsville. Perez said an autopsy will be conducted on Monday
Public SafetyValley county judges meet to address New World screwworm threat
County judges from the Rio Grande Valley convened on Monday to discuss the threat posed by the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly affecting warm-blooded animals. Currently, there are nearly 2,000 active cases in Mexico, with 200 near the Texas border, but no cases reported in the U.S. Officials stressed the importance of awareness and prevention, noting that the screwworm can lead to severe livestock losses if untreated. The USDA is constructing a multi-million dollar facility at Moore Air Base to produce sterile flies to combat this threat. Pet owners are advised to treat and cover wounds on their animals.
Public SafetyMan tries to steal McAllen police unit during arrest: Police
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A police officer fired his weapon on Sunday while responding to a disturbance in which an alleged knife-wielding man attempted to steal a police unit. Julian Martinez, 33, of Beeville, is facing charges of evading arrest, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and duty on striking an unattended
Public SafetyTxDOT: Overnight closures in Edinburg, Brownsville, San Benito and Mission
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Overnight lane and ramp closures are planned for four Valley cities as crews work to replace overhead interstate signs, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. TxDOT advises drivers in Edinburg, Brownsville, San Benito, and Mission to plan for delays from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on select days, starting Tuesday, May
Public SafetyMan Arrested for Distributing Drugs in Brownsville Home
A 28-year-old man named Brandon Durán was arrested in Brownsville for drug distribution at a residence on Joseph Street. The arrest occurred on May 15 after authorities received an anonymous tip about drug activities. Following a search warrant, officers seized approximately 11.7 ounces of marijuana and 184 grams of cocaine. Durán faces charges for possession of marijuana and manufacturing or distributing a controlled substance, according to the Cameron County Sheriff's Office report.
Public SafetyShooting Reported at Mosque in San Diego
Authorities are responding to a reported shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, located in Clairemont. Police have deployed to the scene and are actively searching for a shooter. Residents are advised to stay indoors as the situation unfolds. The San Diego Police Department is urging the public to avoid the area while updates are provided. Local news outlets, including Telemundo 20 and NBC 7, have teams on-site gathering the latest information. Further details will be shared as they become available.
Public SafetyCostco Recalls Patio Furniture After Multiple Injury Reports
A popular patio swing sold at Costco is being recalled, and customers are warned to stop using it "immediately" after multiple injuries were reported due to parts detaching. The recall notice for the Agio-Menlo patio swing was issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on May 14. Costco sent recall notices to its members on the same day. According to the recall, the swing can detach from its frame while in use, posing a "risk of serious injury or death" from falls. Up to 18,500 units sold at Costco between February 2026 and March 2026 have been recalled. The swings, made by World Bright International, feature a black metal frame, black metal swing arms, a fabric cover, and a brown synthetic rattan padded seat. The notice indicated that they were sold exclusively at Costco, with the serial number 1934256. The recall notice reported eight cases where the swing seats detached from the frame, resulting in eight injury reports, including head and arm injuries. "You must stop using the swing immediately," the Costco notice stated, advising customers to contact World Bright for replacement hooks. A safety notice about the recall, posted on the Agio brand's website, described the recall as voluntary. "On behalf of ourselves and Costco, we want to thank you for your support and cooperation, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this recall may cause," the Agio notice stated.
Public SafetyDaytime lane closures for San Benito, Harlingen for sign work
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — San Benito and Harlingen drivers are advised to take alternative routes as daytime lane closures are planned this week for sign work, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. The I-69E northbound FM509 (Exit 22) in San Benito will be closed as crews install new digital message boards. On Tuesday, the
Public SafetyMan Arrested for Knife Threats in McAllen
A 33-year-old man, Julian Randall Martínez, was arrested in McAllen on May 17 after allegedly threatening several individuals with a knife on Newport Avenue. During the arrest, he attempted to flee by climbing into a patrol car, prompting an officer to discharge their firearm. Martínez now faces multiple charges, including evading arrest, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and duty in an accident with an unattended vehicle. His arraignment will be scheduled by the McAllen Municipal Court.
Public SafetyJudge Allows Weapon and Notebook of Luigi Mangione to Be Used in Trial
A New York judge has authorized prosecutors to use a weapon and a notebook found in Luigi Mangione's backpack as evidence in his trial for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Judge Gregory Carro dismissed defense claims that the items were obtained illegally before police secured a warrant. This ruling is a significant win for prosecutors, who believe the 3D-printed gun is the murder weapon and the notebook contains references to targeting a healthcare executive. Mangione, 28, has pleaded not guilty and is set to stand trial on September 8, with federal proceedings to follow. If convicted, he faces life in prison.
Public SafetyThree teenagers arrested for multiple shootings in Austin that left four injured
Three teenagers have been arrested in Austin, Texas, following a series of at least 10 random shootings over the weekend that left four people injured. The suspects, aged 15 and 17, were apprehended after being caught in a stolen vehicle. They allegedly fired at two fire stations, apartment buildings, and homes while driving around the city in stolen cars. Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for residents in a large area of South Austin, which was lifted after the suspects were captured. One victim is in critical condition, and the police noted that the shootings appeared to be random with no specific motive identified.