Public Safety

'Strong odor of alcohol': Docs detail scene after wrong-way crash

PRIMERA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A criminal complaint obtained by ValleyCentral provided details of a 22-year-old Austin man accused in a wrong-way crash that left a woman dead. Joey Gael Estrada is charged with criminal negligence homicide, a state jail felony, possession of a controlled substance PG2, a third-degree felony and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon,

KRGV (NBC 5) · May 9, 2026

Man found dead inside vehicle in Edinburg

The Edinburg Police Department is currently investigating the death of a man found inside a vehicle. Officers responded to a call at a store located at 8420 N. Highway 281 on Friday afternoon, where they discovered an unidentified man deceased in a black Hyundai. As of now, no further details regarding the incident have been released.

KRGV (NBC 5) · May 9, 2026

Cameron County jails found to be non-compliant due to overcrowding issues

Cameron County jails are currently over capacity, with 47 inmates exceeding the facilities' limits, leading to non-compliance with state standards. Sheriff Manuel Trevino noted that various factors contributed to the overcrowding, and his department aims to avoid transferring inmates to other facilities due to the financial burden on families. The issue persisted from March 30 to April 6, 2026. To address this, the sheriff's office is collaborating with county judges and the district attorney's office to expedite inmate releases, particularly focusing on low-level offenders. A meeting with state officials is scheduled for next week to discuss further compliance measures.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · May 9, 2026

Man Killed by Frontier Plane at Airport

DENVER — A Frontier Airlines plane fatally struck a pedestrian on the runway at Denver International Airport during takeoff, airport authorities reported, causing an engine fire and prompting passenger evacuation. The flight, which was en route from Denver to Los Angeles International Airport, 'reported hitting a pedestrian during takeoff at DEN at approximately 11:19 p.m. on Friday,' the airport's official account posted on platform X. Authorities stated the pedestrian died. They have not yet been identified, but officials do not believe they were an airport employee. Denver International Airport confirmed that the individual jumped near the runway perimeter and was struck two minutes later while crossing the runway. According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, 12 people were injured, five of whom were taken to the hospital. 'We're stopping on the runway,' the pilot told the control tower, according to ATC.com. 'We just hit someone. We have an engine fire.' The pilot informed air traffic control that they had '231 souls' on board and that 'an individual was crossing the runway on foot.' The air traffic controller responded that they were already 'mobilizing emergency trucks' before the pilot communicated to the tower that they had 'smoke inside the aircraft' and would 'evacuate on the runway.' Frontier Airlines stated in a statement that flight 4345 was involved in the collision and that 'smoke was reported in the cabin, prompting the pilots to abort the takeoff.' It was unclear whether the smoke was related to the pedestrian strike. 'The Airbus A321 was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members,' the airline noted. 'We are investigating this incident and gathering more information in coordination with the airport and other safety authorities.' Passengers were subsequently evacuated using emergency slides, and emergency personnel transported them by bus to the terminal. Most have already departed from Denver Airport on new Frontier flights. Denver Airport reported that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified and that runway 17L, where the incident occurred, will remain closed while the investigation is conducted.

Driver, passenger arrested following DPS Mercedes chase

MERCEDES, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A driver and a passenger were arrested after refusing to cooperate during a traffic stop, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety spokesperson. A DPS trooper attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle in Mercedes, but the driver refused and a chase began. Both the driver and the passenger

Five-vehicle crash causes traffic delay in Harlingen

A five-vehicle accident occurred on the eastbound lanes of Expressway 83 in Harlingen, causing significant traffic delays. Emergency Medical Services and local law enforcement responded to the scene on Altas Palmas near Stuart Place Road on Friday evening. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported. The traffic backup extended to the area near the ValleyCentral studios by Bass Boulevard. The roadway has since been cleared, allowing traffic to resume normal flow.

'We have to hold on to them': Cameron County jail out of compliance over overcrowding

OLMITO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Commission on Jail Standards has found the Cameron County jail out of compliance after inspectors determined the facility is holding more inmates than it is legally allowed to house. According to state findings, the jail is overcapacity and must reduce its inmate population by next week to return to compliance.

Man found dead inside vehicle, investigation underway: Edinburg police

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man was found dead inside his vehicle on Friday afternoon, according to a news release from the Edinburg Police Department. Police responded to a store located on the 8400 block of N. 281 regarding a report of an unresponsive man inside a black Hyundai. When officers arrived, they found the

DPS Increases Patrols Statewide to Enforce Seat Belt Use; Prevent Distracted Driving

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is ramping up patrols statewide as part of its All-American Enforcement Campaign from May 11 to May 25, targeting seat belt compliance and safe driving ahead of Memorial Day. Chief Bryan Rippee emphasized the importance of seat belts in saving lives. Last year, DPS issued over 156,000 citations, including for speeding and seat belt violations. Additionally, drivers are reminded to 'Move Over, Slow Down' for emergency vehicles, with fines up to $1,250 for violations. DPS urges drivers to eliminate distractions, avoid drinking and driving, and buckle up for safety.

Former NFL Player Sentenced to Over 16 Years in Prison for $197M Medicare Fraud

Joel Rufus French, a former NFL player from Armory, Mississippi, was sentenced to 196 months in prison for orchestrating a Medicare fraud scheme that cost nearly $200 million. French, who owned multiple durable medical equipment companies, was found guilty of selling unnecessary medical devices and falsifying doctors' orders. He was also ordered to pay over $110 million in restitution and forfeit approximately $17 million in seized assets. The scheme exploited vulnerable populations, including elderly patients and disabled veterans, by using overseas telemarketing and sham telemedicine companies. The case was investigated by the HHS-OIG, FBI, and VA OIG.

Temporary Closure of North Bentsen Road for Drainage Improvement Project, May 11-19

Hidalgo County Precinct 4, in partnership with the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, has announced a temporary closure of North Bentsen Road from Mile 7 Road to State Highway 107 (University Drive) from May 11 to May 19. This closure is necessary for drainage improvement work, specifically for the installation of a roadway crossing that connects a pipe extension to an existing drainage inlet. During this period, through traffic will not be allowed, and access will be restricted to local residents. Motorists are advised to find alternate routes and exercise caution in the area.

Brownsville woman charged in connection with hit-and-run that hospitalized minors: DPS

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Brownsville woman has been charged in connection with a crash that left two juveniles in critical condition, according to a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety. Briana Camila Rodriguez, 20, of Brownsville, turned herself in to the Cameron County jail on Friday on charges of failure to stop and

Boys in Edinburg crash that killed mother remain in critical condition

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The two boys involved in a weekend Edinburg crash that killed their mother remain in critical condition at a hospital in San Antonio, according to a city spokesperson. The boys, ages 9 and 5, were taken to a San Antonio hospital following the crash that happened on the night of May

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · May 8, 2026

Responding to report of unconscious man: found dead inside a vehicle

A report to the Edinburg Police on Friday alerted them to the presence of an unconscious man inside a black Hyundai vehicle. Officers responded to the call and arrived at the Love’s Travel Stop located at 8420 N. 281, where they discovered that the man had died. The causes of the man's death and his identity are currently unknown. The investigation is ongoing. This is a breaking news story. We will have more information shortly. Thank you for choosing TELEMUNDO 40.

Cameron County jail given non-compliance notice for overcrowding

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Commission on Jail Standards found the Cameron County jail to be in non-compliance due to overcrowding. Documentation revealed that from March 30 to April 6, the jail was over their approved capacity by 47 inmates. In a statement on Friday, the Cameron County Sheriff's Office said the department was

Feds Disrupt Cocaine Pipeline: Key Player Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison

Luis Manuel Castillo Garcia, a 52-year-old undocumented immigrant from Mexico residing in Laredo, has been sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute over $1 million in cocaine. He pleaded guilty on November 3, 2025, admitting to organizing cocaine shipments from Laredo to various U.S. locations. U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana imposed a 135-month sentence for drug conspiracy and an additional 120 months for illegal reentry. Garcia's criminal history includes previous drug convictions. Authorities seized over 65 kilograms of cocaine during the investigation, which was conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · May 8, 2026

Woman Faces Charges in Hit-and-Run Case in Brownsville

Briana Camila Rodríguez, a 20-year-old woman, was taken into custody in Brownsville after turning herself in to authorities due to her alleged involvement in a hit-and-run accident that occurred on May 4 on State Highway 48, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Rodríguez, a Brownsville resident, is facing two charges for failing to stop and render aid in an accident that resulted in serious bodily injury. According to the state agency, Rodríguez voluntarily presented herself at the Cameron County Jail, where she is now in custody.

City Proclaims May 10-16, 2026, as “Pharr Police Memorial Week”

The Pharr City Commission has declared May 10-16, 2026, as Pharr Police Memorial Week, coinciding with National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15. This proclamation was presented to Police Chief Juan F. Gonzalez and members of the Pharr Police Department, honoring officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and acknowledging the ongoing dedication of current officers. Commissioners expressed gratitude for the department's commitment to community safety and emphasized the importance of this week to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.