Public Safety

Six academy cadets officially join ranks of McAllen Fire Department

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Six academy cadets officially joined the ranks of the McAllen Fire Department on Tuesday. After completing a nine-month academy, earning multiple certifications, and fulfilling their one-year probationary period, the graduates can now serve the McAllen community. McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, City Manager Isaac J. Tawil, and Fire Chief Juan A. Gloria

Driver accused of leaving scene of single-vehicle crash in Escobares

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Escobares Police Department is searching for a driver accused of leaving the scene of a single-vehicle crash on Tuesday morning. Police were dispatched to the crash site on Old Highway 83 in the Garceno area. At the scene, a crashed SUV was found unoccupied on the roadway. According to Escobares

Breaking: Heavy Police Presence in the City of Palmview

There is a significant police presence reported near Palmview, Texas, specifically around Mission, between Abraham Road, Clara Boya Lane, and Jewel Drive. Law enforcement agencies on the scene include Border Patrol, the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, SWAT teams, and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Helicopters are also seen flying over the area. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Truck's exhaust causes 50-acre brush fire in Donna

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A pickup truck's exhaust ignited a fire that engulfed 50 acres of land along Val Verde Road on Monday night, according to Donna Fire Chief David Simmons. Simmons said the truck was traveling southbound on Val Verde Road when it drove off the roadway. According to Simmons, the truck's exhaust was

Starr County judge signs disaster declaration over screwworm infection

Starr County Judge Eloy Vera declared a disaster on Monday after the first case of New World screwworm was confirmed in the Rio Grande Valley, specifically in a calf north of Roma. The Texas Animal Health Commission has designated most of western Starr County as an infested zone, restricting cattle movement without state approval. Judge Vera emphasized the need for medicines and equipment to combat the parasite, which can harm warm-blooded animals. Local rancher John 'Jackie' Ramirez recalled his father's experiences with screwworms in the 1970s and is now vigilant as his heifers are due to give birth soon. Residents are urged to report any infected animals.

Driver flees scene following single-vehicle crash in Starr County, police say

A driver abandoned their vehicle after a single-vehicle crash in Starr County on Tuesday. The incident took place on Old Highway 83 near Garceño, where police found an unoccupied SUV on a bridge. Escobares Interim Police Chief Lt. Jesse Alvarez reported that the driver fled before officers arrived and is believed to be injured in a nearby wooded area. The severity of the driver's injuries is currently unknown. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash.

50-acre blaze in Donna sparked by vehicle fire

A vehicle fire ignited a 50-acre blaze in Donna on Monday night, according to Fire Chief David Simmons. The incident occurred when a pickup truck being towed broke down on North Val Verde Road, veered off the road, and caught fire in a brush pile. The flames spread due to wind, affecting vegetation and palm trees. Fire crews faced access challenges due to a fence but managed to protect a nearby farm. Assistance came from multiple local fire departments, and while no homes were damaged, residents with respiratory issues were advised to stay indoors. The cause is under investigation.

Man withdraws guilty plea in connection with fentanyl-related overdoses in Cameron County

Eric Castillo, accused in a series of fentanyl-related overdoses that resulted in eight deaths in Cameron County, has retracted his guilty plea. Initially, Castillo pleaded guilty on June 1 to four counts of possession of a controlled substance, facing a potential life sentence. However, just ten days later, his defense filed a motion to withdraw the plea. Castillo is alleged to have distributed THC, cocaine, meth, and fentanyl, with his arrest linked to fatal overdoses in Brownsville and Harlingen in October 2023. His next court hearing is set for September 3, with the trial beginning on September 14.

Young Movie Actress Dies in Car Accident

Kaylee Hottle, a young actress best known for her roles in two 'Godzilla' films, passed away on Tuesday in a car accident in Frederick, Maryland. 'It is with deep sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that one of our senior students at TSD, Kaylee Hottle, tragically passed away,' stated the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) on Tuesday. 'Our hearts go out to Kaylee's family, friends, and classmates, as well as to all who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time,' the statement added. In a report, the Frederick County Sheriff's Office indicated that a 1995 Honda Accord, driven by a 19-year-old, veered off the road and crashed into a culvert just before 3 a.m.

Father and Son Charged with Kidnapping Two Biologists in Northern California Forest

A father and son, Joseph Charles Henrichsen, 49, and Phoenix Henrichsen, 23, have been charged with the armed kidnapping of two federal biologists in Northern California. The incident occurred near Gumboot Lake in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, where Joseph allegedly approached the biologists with an AR-15 rifle, restraining them with plastic ties. He forced them to a nearby trailer, where they were held for hours. During negotiations, Joseph claimed to have a grenade and threatened to use it. The victims were released early Friday, and the suspects surrendered. If convicted, they face life imprisonment.

Traffic Stop Ends in Rescue of Driver Trapped in Burning Vehicle

A traffic stop on a Texas highway turned into a life-saving rescue when Southlake Police Officer Joshua Swisher pulled a driver from a burning vehicle just seconds before it was engulfed in flames. Swisher had stopped a speeding Mercedes when he noticed a smoking car nearby. He rushed to the vehicle, breaking the driver's side window to extract the dazed driver as smoke filled the car. The entire rescue took less than 30 seconds. Fortunately, the driver suffered no serious injuries, and Swisher received recognition from the Southlake Police Department for his heroic actions. The speeding driver received only a warning instead of a ticket.

Vehicle on Fire Causes Major Blaze on Val Verde Highway

A fire that started in a GMC truck escalated into a multi-acre blaze on Monday night in Donna, prompting a response from several fire departments in the Rio Grande Valley. The incident occurred around 9:10 p.m. on North Val Verde Road. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The dry brush allowed the flames to spread quickly towards an undeveloped area filled with tall weeds and palm trees, advancing westward towards a nursery and coming close to a tire storage facility. Emergency crews managed to contain the fire before it reached the tire area. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Weslaco home damaged by fire linked to possible refrigerator problem

A fire in Weslaco, potentially caused by a refrigerator malfunction, occurred around 7 a.m. on Monday at a residence on Bethany Drive. The Hidalgo County Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the incident, noting that the fire originated near the refrigerator. The homeowner reported previous issues with the appliance freezing up. Julio Mata, an appliance parts supplier, emphasized the importance of regular maintenance, including checking cords and ensuring proper installation to prevent electrical hazards. Fortunately, one person was inside during the fire but escaped unharmed and was taken to the hospital for precautionary measures. The home is not deemed a total loss.

Val Verde Road closed due to major fire in Donna

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A major roadway in Donna is closed until further notice as a team of first responders work to put out a fire that broke out on Monday night. According to authorities, FM 1423, also known as Val Verde Road, is closed until further notice as crews work to put out the

Judge signs disaster declaration after first screwworm case reported in Starr County

Editor's note: The video above is from previous ValleyCentral coverage. HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Starr County Judge Eloy Vera signed a disaster declaration on Monday following the county's first reported case of New World Screwworm. The case was found on the northwestern side of the county, north of Roma. Starr County Emergency Management spokesman Lenny Fuentes

TxDOT: Lane reductions on International Blvd. in Progreso

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Transportation is alerting drivers of lane reductions in Progreso this week due to irrigation crossing installation. From Monday through Friday, FM 1015 (International Blvd.) between US 281 (Military Hwy.) and the Progreso Port of Entry will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Lanes will be

TxDOT: Lane reductions on International Blvd. in Progreso

Man who threatened ‘lights out’ for ICE agent takes responsibility, avoids prison

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man who threatened a federal agent with “lights out” avoided prison Monday. In June 2025, when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raided a taqueria in San Benito, bystanders recorded the confrontation — and posted the video on Facebook. Anastacio Castillo De Leon, who lived in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, asked