Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyLeader of a Faction of the Northwest Cartel Arrested in Border State
MEXICO CITY – Federal security forces arrested José Antonio Cortés Huerta on Monday in the Mexican state of Nuevo León. He is identified as the leader of a faction linked to the Northwest Cartel and is accused by authorities of fuel smuggling, according to Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) Omar García Harfuch. Through his social media, the official announced that a 41-year-old woman was also arrested during the operation, along with the seizure of ten firearms, drug doses, eleven vehicles, six motorcycles, computer equipment, and cash. Additionally, agents secured seven tigers that the criminal leader owned. In a subsequent statement, the SSPC added that the detained member of the Northwest Cartel (CDN) is 39 years old and was engaged in the illegal trade of hydrocarbons from the United States. In Nuevo León, following investigative work after the seizure of a vessel in Tamaulipas, personnel from @SEMAR_mx, @SSPCMexico, and @FGRMexico executed four search warrants. As a result, José Antonio 'N' was arrested, identified as the leader of a cell affiliated with... Security forces conducted several searches in homes across various municipalities in Nuevo León: San Pedro Garza García, Monterrey, and Allende. Federal sources informed EFE that the properties are linked to Roberto Blanco Cantú, alias 'The Lord of the Ships,' a major partner in a company involved in fuel smuggling and the CDN. 'This operational action is the result of investigative work stemming from the seizure of a vessel in Tamaulipas. Furthermore, José Antonio Cortés Huerta is identified as one of the main operators of Roberto Blanco Cantú. They are also related to an investigation file... for lacking permits to possess wildlife,' these sources added.
Public SafetyTraffic alert: Downed power lines close portion of FM 511 in Brownsville
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Transportation in Brownsville issued a traffic alert on Monday as crews work on repairing downed power lines on FM 511. According to a news release from TxDOT, FM 511 in Brownsville, from State Highway 550 to Devon Street, is temporarily closed due to the downed power lines.
Public SafetyMcAllen homeowners arrested, 22 minors cited after 'prom after-party': Police
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — McAllen police arrested two adults and issued citations to 22 minors for alcohol violations after responding to a "prom after-party" over the weekend, according to a news release from the McAllen Police Department. John Michael, 60, and Tina Marie McIntyre, 55, were arrested on charges of furnishing alcohol to a minor, a
Public SafetyAirbnb host reports party, 7 minors cited for underage drinking: McAllen police
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Seven minors were cited for underage drinking after an Airbnb host reported a party to police, according to the McAllen Police Department. The minors, aged between 17 and 19, were issued a citation for possession or consumption of alcohol by a minor. On Sunday at approximately 12:03 a.m., McAllen police responded
Public SafetyAirbnb host reports party, 7 minors cited for underage drinking: McAllen police
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Seven minors were cited for underage drinking after an Airbnb host reported a party to police, according to the McAllen Police Department. The minors, aged between 17 and 19, were issued a citation for possession or consumption of alcohol by a minor. On Sunday at approximately 12:03 a.m., McAllen police responded
6 found dead in a cargo train boxcar at a Union Pacific yard in Texas border town, police said
LAREDO, Texas (AP) — Six people were found dead inside a cargo train boxcar at a Union Pacific rail yard near the Mexico border in Laredo, Texas, police said. The people were found Sunday as workers were inspecting one of the cars, said Jose Baeza, a spokesperson for the Laredo Police Department. They did not
Public SafetyCouple Arrested for Providing Alcohol to Minors in McAllen
In a new case investigated by the McAllen police, two adults were arrested for allegedly providing alcohol to minors shortly after midnight on May 10, at a residence located in the 3100 block of Scenic Way. During the investigation, officers reported observing multiple open bottles and cans of alcoholic beverages, as well as glasses containing alcohol. Several minors were detained along with the two adults, who were identified as: John Michael McIntyre, who faced charges for providing alcohol to a minor with a bail set at $4,000, and Tina Marie McIntyre, who also received the same charges, with bail established at $4,000. The youths, aged between 16 and 19, include: Yesenia A. Hernández (18), Eva K. Castro (18), Zarek M. García (18), Jayden V. Soliz (18), Gavin W. McIntyre (18), Adam Emirack (18), Sebastian G. Palacio (18), Daniela S. Elizondo (18), and Violet Guerra (19). All were released into the custody of adults and are scheduled to appear in court on charges of possession and consumption of alcohol.
Public SafetyInvestigation Underway for Man Found Dead in Vehicle North of Edinburg
Edinburg police are investigating the death of a 41-year-old man found unresponsive in a rural area near a store on North Highway 281. Officers discovered the man inside a black Hyundai vehicle, already without vital signs. The cause of death has not yet been determined and remains under investigation. Authorities have scheduled an autopsy for Monday, which may provide further insights into the case.
Public SafetySeveral Minors Arrested in McAllen for Underage Drinking at Party
Several minors were detained in McAllen for underage drinking at an Airbnb party. The incident occurred at 12:03 AM on May 10, on the 400 block of Cedar Avenue. Police responded to a call from the host who noticed the gathering. Officers found multiple alcoholic beverages and confirmed that the attendees, aged 17 to 19, were all under 21. Those detained include 18-year-olds Amy L. Peña, Mayeyla A. González, Anabell Martínez, and Kayla A. Figueroa, along with 19-year-old Sebastian Figueroa and 17-year-olds Samira S. Lozano and Desiree Pérez. They will face charges for possession or consumption of alcohol by minors and may face additional charges.
Public SafetyVideo Reveals Moment a Person is Struck by Frontier Plane at Airport
A video released by officials shows the moment a Frontier Airlines passenger plane struck a person on the runway at Denver International Airport. The incident occurred at 11:19 PM local time on Friday as the Airbus A321 was preparing for takeoff to Los Angeles. The footage captures a figure crossing the runway when the aircraft suddenly appears, leading to a fire in one of its engines. The plane, carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members, aborted takeoff and filled with smoke. Twelve individuals reported minor injuries, with five taken to hospitals. The deceased individual was identified as an intruder, not an airport employee, and investigations are ongoing.
Public SafetyBPUB alerts customers of momentary service interruptions
Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB) has informed customers that approximately 25,000 residents on the west side of Brownsville may face brief service interruptions. This is due to ongoing repair work by AEP Texas on transmission lines following a recent storm. BPUB assures that crews are monitoring the situation closely to reduce disruptions, which are not signs of a larger system failure. Customers experiencing extended outages can report them to BPUB. Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves.
Public SafetyUS Investigates Frontier Airlines Plane Evacuation That Struck Individual at Airport
U.S. transportation authorities are investigating the evacuation of a Frontier Airlines flight that struck and killed a pedestrian on the runway at Denver International Airport during takeoff. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is gathering information about the incident, which occurred around 11:19 PM on Friday. The flight was headed to Los Angeles and had 224 passengers and seven crew members on board. Twelve passengers sustained minor injuries, and five were taken to hospitals. Concerns were raised about the evacuation process, with reports of smoke filling the cabin. The investigation into the pedestrian's identity is ongoing.
Public SafetyAutopsy ordered for man found dead inside vehicle in Edinburg
An autopsy has been ordered for a 41-year-old man discovered dead inside a vehicle in Edinburg. The incident occurred on Friday when authorities found the victim in a Hyundai parked in the 8400 block of North Highway 281. The cause of death is currently under investigation, and no further details have been provided by city officials. The case remains open as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the man's death.
Public SafetyAuthorities say they did not find Kristin Smart's remains in the search of a home
California authorities announced on Saturday that they did not find the remains of Kristin Smart during a search at a property linked to her convicted killer. The search took place at Susan Flores' home in Arroyo Grande, over 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Kristin Smart, a 19-year-old college student, disappeared in 1996, and her body has never been found. Paul Flores, her classmate, was convicted in 2022 for her murder. Despite initial evidence suggesting the presence of human remains, authorities provided no further details. Smart was declared legally dead in 2002, and her case has drawn significant public interest.
Public SafetyAutopsy ordered for man found dead in Edinburg vehicle
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Edinburg Police Department has provided an update on a man who was found dead inside a vehicle on Friday afternoon. The victim was identified as a 41-year-old man. The cause of his death remains under investigation, according to an update from Edinburg police. On Friday afternoon, police responded to a store parking lot located at
Public SafetyPower lines down in Laguna Vista
LAGUNA VISTA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Fire crews were at the scene of a live power pole in the Laguna Vista area this morning. The Laguna Vista Volunteer Fire Department said the storms caused a pole to fall over near the 900 block of Palm Boulevard between Palo Blanco. Fire crews said the electric lines were live and arcing, which indicates the power lines are currently energized and are discharging electricity
Public SafetyBetty Broderick, Convicted of Killing Ex-Husband and His Wife, Dies at 78
Betty Broderick, the woman convicted of murdering her ex-husband and his wife in their own bed on November 5, 1989, has died at the age of 78. Officials from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation informed NBC News that Elizabeth A. Broderick—her full name—was transferred on April 18 from the California institution where she was incarcerated to a medical facility. She passed away the following Friday. The medical office initially classified her cause of death as natural; the San Bernardino County coroner will conduct an official examination. Broderick was convicted of second-degree murder in 1991 for the deaths of 44-year-old Daniel Broderick III and 28-year-old Linda Kolkena Broderick, and was sentenced to 32 years in prison.
Public SafetyPossible Boat Explosion in Miami Leaves at Least 15 Injured
Rescue teams from the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department (MDFR) responded on Saturday to reports of a possible explosion on a boat near Haulover Beach in Miami that left at least several people injured. The emergency call was received at 12:48 p.m., prompting the response of more than 25 MDFR units, including Fireboat 21, Ocean Rescue units, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Upon arriving at the scene, emergency teams found multiple patients. Due to the number of people affected and the need for additional resources, the incident was elevated to a Level 2 mass casualty event.
Public SafetyWoman Arrested for Allegedly Stabbing Her 83-Year-Old Neighbor
A woman remains in custody after allegedly stabbing her 83-year-old neighbor around 6:12 p.m. on Friday on 45th Street SW in the Puerto Nuevo neighborhood of San Juan. According to the police report, the octogenarian was walking in the area when she was injured in the chest after being attacked with a sharp object.