Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyRoaches and broken knives photographed, found at packed buffet
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In a puro Que Asco Edition of CBS4's Food 4 Thought, the Food Patrol's Derick Garcia and photojournalist Jerry Salinas visited two restaurants with roach violations on their inspection reports. Ocean Buffet at 2921 Boca Chica Blvd in Brownsville failed a Jan. 8 inspection with a score of 69. The inspector noted a substantial
Public SafetyEdinburg mother charged after children found dead in burning vehicle in San Antonio
An Edinburg woman, Marlene Vidal, 34, has been charged with capital murder after her two children were found dead in a burning vehicle in San Antonio. The incident occurred early Friday morning behind a warehouse on Richland Hills Drive. Authorities discovered the bodies of a 5-year-old and a 7-year-old after extinguishing the fire. While the motive remains unclear, police suggest mental health issues may have contributed. Investigators are analyzing evidence, including surveillance footage and statements from Vidal, who was present at the scene. The investigation continues as authorities seek justice for the victims.
Public SafetyMcAllen armed robbery suspect surrenders to police, second man still wanted
Adoni Garcia, a suspect in an armed robbery in McAllen, has surrendered to the police. He turned himself in on May 15 and is charged with aggravated robbery. Garcia is currently held at the Hidalgo County Jail with a bond set at $100,000. Authorities are still searching for a second suspect, Luis Armando Jasso, who is described as 5'10" tall, weighing around 195 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The robbery took place on May 4 in the 2500 block of North McColl Road. Anyone with information about Jasso should contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at 956-687-8477.
Public SafetyEdinburg mother facing capital murder charges after 2 kids found dead inside burning vehicle in San Antonio: Police
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An Edinburg woman is facing capital murder charges after her two children were found dead inside a burning vehicle in San Antonio early Friday morning, according to the San Antonio Police Department. Marlene Vidal, 34, of Edinburg, told officers she is the children's mother. In a press conference on Friday morning,
Public SafetyBrownsville police search for person of interest in stolen truck investigation
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in identifying a person of interest in a stolen truck investigation. Police shared a photo showing a woman wearing eyeglasses and a light blue shirt, who is a person of interest in the theft of a 2024 Ford F-150. Anyone with
Public SafetyPharr man sentenced to life without parole in 2017 fatal shooting of teen
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Nearly a decade after a home invasion-turned-shooting claimed the life of a 16-year-old boy, a man has been found guilty of capital murder. Ambrosio Rodriguez, 33, of Pharr, was sentenced to life without parole on Monday in the 206th District Court. On May 6, a Hidalgo County jury found Rodriguez guilty
Public SafetyMcAllen man wanted on aggravated robbery charge surrenders to police
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A 30-year-old McAllen man wanted on suspicion of armed robbery surrendered to authorities on Thursday, according to an update from the McAllen Police Department. Andoni Garcia, 30, of McAllen, was arrested on one count of aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony. He was booked into the Hidalgo County jail on Friday on a
Public SafetyEdinburg issues boil water notice after a line break
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Edinburg issued a boil water notice following a water line break between El Cibolo Rd and 0.5 miles North of El Rucio Rd, the city announced on Thursday evening. According to the city, a contractor working in the area struck a main water line and broke it. Residents
Public SafetyDFPS Investigates Edinburg Resident Accused of Murdering Two Children
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) confirmed that it is conducting an active investigation related to the case of Marlene Vidal, a woman from Edinburg, accused of the deaths of two minors found in a burned vehicle early Friday morning in San Antonio. Sources from the state agency stated, 'Specific details regarding our involvement with the family are confidential. However, a report disclosing information about the minors' deaths will be prepared once the investigation concludes.' Marlene Vidal, 34, faces capital murder charges after police discovered the bodies of two children, approximately 5 and 7 years old, at 512 Richland Hills Drive. Authorities are awaiting confirmation from a medical examiner regarding the identities and genders of the victims. Additionally, San Antonio police noted that Marlene Vidal was present at the scene when the investigation began and allegedly told officers, 'I am the one you are looking for.' She was subsequently arrested and taken for questioning at police facilities. Meanwhile, the investigation remains active, and information may change as the case progresses.
Public SafetyHow Did the Man Who Got Trapped in an Escalator Die? This Reveals the Investigation
The family of a Boston man is demanding answers and accountability following the death of 40-year-old Steven McCluskey, who became trapped in an escalator at a MBTA station in Somerville, Massachusetts. Surveillance footage obtained by Telemundo New England shows that several minutes passed before anyone alerted emergency services. The tragic incident occurred shortly before 5:00 a.m. on February 27, when McCluskey was descending an escalator at the Davis station and lost his balance at the bottom; he then fell to the ground and did not get back up.
Public SafetyState Troopers to Increase Patrols for Seat Belt Use
In the coming weeks, law enforcement agencies in Texas will increase patrols to identify drivers and passengers not wearing seat belts. This initiative is part of the 'Click It or Ticket' campaign, running from May 18 to 31, aimed at promoting driver safety. Authorities emphasize that wearing a seat belt can be the difference between life and death in an accident. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), 965 people died in Texas traffic accidents in 2025 due to not wearing seat belts. The campaign also reminds that children under 8 must use a special seat or booster unless they are over 4 feet 9 inches tall.
Public SafetyBodies of at least two minors found in burning car in San Antonio, police say
San Antonio police are investigating the discovery of two to three charred bodies, believed to be school-aged children, found in a burning vehicle at a warehouse parking lot on Friday. The fire was reported between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. near 512 Richland Hills Dr. A witness walking their dog saw the flames and alerted authorities. The San Antonio Fire Department extinguished the fire and discovered the bodies inside the vehicle. One victim is likely a preschool-aged child. A 34-year-old woman was taken for questioning due to her statements linking her to the vehicle. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
Public SafetyTwo Arrested for Drug Possession During Traffic Stop in Raymondville
Two individuals were arrested during a drug operation on May 12 in Raymondville, Texas. The Willacy County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop at a Murphy USA gas station on FM 490, where they discovered several controlled substances. Alexandro Puga Sr., 41, was found with approximately 13.1 grams of crack, 2.1 grams of methamphetamine, and 0.26 ounces of marijuana. He faces charges for manufacturing and distributing controlled substances, possession of controlled substances, and a warrant for violating bail conditions related to methamphetamine. Yazmine Villarreal, 22, was also arrested for possession of controlled substances and marijuana. Both are held at the Willacy County Jail as the investigation continues.
Public SafetyFormer Grandma’s Daycare manager arrested again for child injury case
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A woman who formerly managed a daycare that closed its doors following a child injury investigation was arrested for a second time. Alma Garza Enriquez was arrested in Edinburg on Thursday for failure to report a felony. Enriquez was issued a $10,000 personal recognizance bond and released from jail shortly after her
Public SafetyMan who threatened ‘lights out’ for ICE agent pleads guilty to federal harassment charge
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man who threatened a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent pleaded guilty to a federal harassment charge Thursday. After watching the agent raid a taqueria, Anastacio Castillo De Leon, 46, of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, said he would “look him up and then lights out.” “Are these facts stated all
Public SafetyCameron County gets $1. 2 million to build flood early warning system
Cameron County has received a $1.2 million grant to establish a flood early warning system, as announced by the Texas Water Development Board. This funding will support the planning, design, construction, and activation of a flood monitoring network featuring 18 stations. Currently, eight stations are operational and will be fully activated, while an additional ten stations will be installed to enhance monitoring capabilities. County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. emphasized that this initiative is crucial for safeguarding residents against severe weather and flooding, providing timely information that can save lives and improve emergency responses.
Public Safety2 arrested in Raymondville crack, meth seizure: Sheriff
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Willacy County authorities arrested two people and seized crack cocaine, meth, and marijuana after a traffic stop in Raymondville on Tuesday. The traffic stop happened at about 7:43 p.m. at the Murphy USA gas station located on the 14000 block of FM 490 after a deputy spotted a man with active
Public SafetyDaycare Administrator Faces New Charge in Edinburg
Alma Enríquez Garza, 58, the administrator of a daycare, is now facing a new charge related to an ongoing investigation in Edinburg. Garza appeared in Edinburg Municipal Court, where she was charged with failing to report a felony, which is considered a misdemeanor. During the hearing, she was granted a personal recognizance bond of $10,000. Enríquez Garza was already facing a previous charge for allegedly tampering with evidence, for which she had been given a $15,000 bond.
Public Safety'Horseplay' or abuse? New details emerge in Ramón Ayala Jr. lawsuits
HIDALGO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Back-to-back press conferences on Wednesday brought new developments in the lawsuits filed against Ramón Ayala Jr., as attorneys on both sides presented sharply conflicting accounts of what happened inside the band’s tour environment. The cases, which involve allegations of sexual misconduct and workplace abuse, now also name legendary norteño singer Ramón