Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyVehicle fire prompts temporary closure of Harlingen frontage road
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The westbound frontage near Stuart Place Road in Harlingen is temporarily closed as authorities respond to a vehicle fire Thursday morning. Harlingen police say that at about 10:43 a.m., they received a call about a travel trailer being pulled by a truck that caught on fire. Traffic is being diverted while
Public SafetyMcAllen police seek man accused in vehicle burglaries
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The McAllen Police Department is asking the public for help locating a man accused of burglarizing vehicles. Police say on Aug. 24, two victims reported that someone stole personal property from their vehicles in a parking area on the 200 block of Expressway 83. Police identified 43-year-old Jesus Manuel Trevino, with
Public SafetySegment of FM 1925 (Monte Cristo Rd) in McAllen to close this weekend, Sept. 4-7 for drainage improvements
FM 1925 (Monte Cristo Road) in McAllen will be fully closed from 9 p.m. on Friday, September 4, until 5 a.m. on Monday, September 7, for the installation of a storm drain pipe. The closure affects the segment between FM 2220 (Ware Road) and Rooth Road. Digital message boards are set up to inform drivers, and a signed detour route will direct traffic around the one-mile area. Commuters are advised to plan for potential delays during this time.
Public SafetyGunman in deadly Minneapolis shooting was investigated for possessing a weapon
The man who carried out a deadly shooting at an apartment building in Minneapolis had been investigated in June for displaying a gun, but no charges were filed, the county attorney said Thursday. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stated that Carlton Johnson had 'shown the weapon, but did not draw it from his waistband' during the incident on June 25. The Minneapolis Police, who responded to the call that day, indicated that he had a legal permit to carry the weapon, according to a statement. Moriarty noted that the office decided not to file charges due to 'insufficient evidence to support a charge beyond a reasonable doubt.' Court documents indicate that Johnson was facing eviction and had threatened another resident with a weapon in the months leading up to the shooting, which left two dead and five others injured. The shooter was also subsequently shot by the police, the attorney said. On Thursday, investigators were thoroughly examining the shooting scene in downtown Minneapolis, which also left five other people injured.
Public SafetyHidalgo County Courthouse to reopen Friday
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Courthouse will reopen its doors to the public on Friday after a suspected drunk-driving crash forced county officials to shut down operations for several days. Temporary entrances have been created while the courthouse's main entrance remains closed and undergoes repairs, according to a news release. The public can
Public SafetyTexas Killing Fields: Man Sentenced to 20 Years After Decades of Bodies Found
GALVESTON, Texas — A man convicted in connection with the so-called 'Texas Killing Fields' was sentenced Thursday to 20 years in prison, in an unusual trial linked to the bodies of dozens of women found near Houston since the 1970s. A Galveston County jury imposed the maximum sentence on James Dolphs Elmore Jr., a day after finding him guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of 16-year-old Laura Miller. Elmore, 61, was arrested earlier this year and charged with preparing the cocaine dose that caused Miller's death. The young woman's body was discovered in that notorious area in 1986. Investigators believe multiple individuals may be responsible for the deaths of over 30 girls and young women, whose bodies were found in a stretch of land along Interstate 45, southeast of Houston. The 'Texas Killing Fields' have inspired books, films, and a Netflix documentary.
Public SafetyPolice Seek Suspect in Vehicle Theft Investigations in McAllen
The McAllen Police Department is asking for the community's help in locating a suspect linked to two investigations involving alleged vehicle thefts. The incidents occurred on August 24 in a parking lot located in the 200 block of Highway 83. Both victims reported that personal belongings were stolen from inside their vehicles. McAllen police investigators identified the suspect as Jesús Manuel Treviño. A McAllen Municipal Court magistrate determined that there is probable cause to issue arrest warrants against him for two counts of vehicle theft, a state felony. Jesús Manuel Treviño is 43 years old, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs around 160 pounds, has black hair, brown eyes, and his last known address is in Pharr, Texas. Notably, the suspect has distinctive tattoos on his face and neck. Anyone with information related to these crimes can contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at 956-687-TIPS (8477). Reports can be made anonymously. Information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.
2 people were killed and suspect is dead in downtown Minneapolis shooting
Prosecutors weigh death penalty for Edinburg mother accused of killing her children
Brownsville ISD warns viral Cat in the Hat trend could lead to criminal charges
Stretch of Monte Cristo Road in McAllen closing this weekend for drainage project
At least 1 person was killed, 6 injured in downtown Minneapolis shooting, hospital officials say
Hidalgo County relocates marriage license services following courthouse crash
Public SafetyBBB Rio Grande Valley warns of fake check, letter targeting veterans
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Better Business Bureau in the Rio Grande Valley is warning about a letter targeting veterans. People will send a fraudulent check, then later, a fraudulent letter claiming the veteran was overpaid in VA benefits and owes money to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The victims are instructed to deposit
Public SafetyMore Than $2.9 Million in Cocaine Intercepted at Laredo Port of Entry
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Colombia Solidarity Bridge and World Trade Bridge in Laredo seized over $2.9 million in cocaine. The first seizure on August 21 involved 80.68 pounds of cocaine valued at $1,077,357 found in a 2011 Volvo tractor. The second seizure on August 24 uncovered 141.53 pounds of cocaine worth $1,889,791 in a 2007 T3 Freightliner. CBP officials emphasized their commitment to preventing drug smuggling and enforcing laws at the border. The total street value of the seized narcotics is $2,967,148, and Homeland Security Investigations is conducting further inquiries.
Public Safety5 men charged in McAllen prositution sting
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Five men were arrested on solicitation of prostitution charges, the McAllen Police Department announced Wednesday. Officers with the McAllen PD conducted a law enforcement initiative that resulted in the arrest of three men on Aug. 26, one man on Aug. 28, and another man on Sept. 2, police said. McAllen PD
Public SafetyFive Arrested in McAllen on Suspected Prostitution Charges
In a statement, the McAllen police announced that during an operation conducted from August 26 to 28, officers from the McAllen Police Department arrested five men on suspected prostitution-related charges. The police also shared the timeline of the arrests: On August 26, 2026, officers arrested three men for solicitation of prostitution. On August 28, 2026, officers arrested one man for solicitation of prostitution. On September 2, 2026, officers executed an arrest warrant and detained one man for solicitation of prostitution. The case remains under investigation, and additional charges may be filed. Names and details of the arrested individuals include: - Jonathan Cortina, 21, last known location: McAllen, Texas, arrested on August 26, charged on August 27, charge: solicitation of prostitution, felony with state prison time, bail: $ - Julio César De León, 44, last known location: Mission, Texas, arrested on August 26, charged on August 27, charge: solicitation of prostitution, felony with state prison time, bail: $ - José Aldo Galván, 25, last known location: Pharr, Texas, arrested on August 26, charged on August 27, charge: solicitation of prostitution, felony with state prison time, bail: $ - Ramiro De La Cruz, 53, last known location: Harlingen, Texas, arrested on August 28, charged on August 29, charge: solicitation of prostitution, felony with state prison time, bail: $ - Joshua Somar Ramos, 23, last known location: Mission, Texas, arrested on September 2, charge reading date: pending, charge: solicitation of prostitution, felony with state prison time, bail: pending. Authorities urge the community that if they have information related to the case or know of similar activities, to report it or contact the McAllen Crime Stoppers line at (956) 687-TIPS (8477). If the information provided leads to an arrest, the individual may be eligible for a cash reward.
Public SafetyMusician, his pregnant wife, and their 3-year-old daughter murdered in Mexico
Mexican authorities arrested two men on Wednesday who are suspected of being responsible for the multiple homicide of a member of the indie rock band Camilo Séptimo, his pregnant wife, their three-year-old daughter, and a household worker. The bodies were found inside their residence in the municipality of Atizapán de Zaragoza, in the State of Mexico. The discovery of the victims occurred in the early minutes of Wednesday after neighbors in the residential tower alerted municipal police after hearing screams and gunfire from the apartment. Upon entering the property, officers found 38-year-old Jonathan Meléndez, his 35-year-old wife Ana Paola, who was several months pregnant, their three-year-old daughter, and a 21-year-old household employee, all with gunshot wounds, as well as the family pet found dead.
Public SafetyShooting in Minneapolis Leaves Several Injured, Including Two Police Officers
A shooting in Minneapolis on Wednesday afternoon left several people injured, including two police officers. The incident occurred at 15 East Grant Street, according to local authorities. While multiple individuals were struck by gunfire, the health status of the injured officers has not been disclosed. City officials are urging residents to avoid the area as the situation develops. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
