Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyMan Charged in Fatal Accident in Edinburg Awaits Court Appearance
This afternoon, Miguel Ángel Suárez, 31, is scheduled to appear in court as a suspect in a fatal accident allegedly caused while driving under the influence of alcohol on May 2 at the intersection of Salinas Street and West Monte Cristo in Edinburg. The driver of the impacted vehicle, Martha Luna Miranda, 39, was pronounced dead at the scene, while her husband, who was a passenger, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Three minors were also in the vehicle; two of them, aged 9 and 5, were transported to San Antonio for specialized medical care, while a 4-year-old was treated and released.
Public SafetyFatal motorcycle crash under investigation, Mission police say
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Mission Police Department is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash in Mission, police said Monday morning. Police said the crash involved two motorcycles and happened at 3:45 a.m. on the 900 block of the expressway. One person has been pronounced dead, according to police. The crash remains under investigation. ValleyCentral will
Public SafetyFire in the Early Morning Consumes Mobile Home North of Edinburg
A fire reported around 3:43 a.m. on Monday in the 6100 block of North Doolittle resulted in significant property damage. The Edinburg Fire Department reported that a mobile home and a trailer were found completely engulfed in flames, while the occupant of the home was able to evacuate in time and was not injured. Firefighters controlled the blaze, and the cause is under investigation by the Hidalgo County Fire Chief's Office.
Public SafetyWoman Charged in Fatal Rollover Accident in McAllen Awaits New Hearing
Gabriela Núñez García, accused of being responsible for the death of Jacob Roel Rodríguez, is scheduled for a new hearing on June 29. The woman was involved in an accident that resulted in a rollover, injuring five people. Meanwhile, the accused will remain under house arrest, where she must comply with several conditions imposed by the court. Among the restrictions set by the judge are a ban on consuming alcoholic beverages, attending events where alcohol is served, and the use of an electronic monitor.
Public SafetyBritney Spears pleads guilty to reckless driving in minor DUI case
LOS ANGELES – Pop star Britney Spears pleaded guilty on Thursday to reckless driving in a misdemeanor case related to driving under the influence of alcohol, following her arrest last month by California Highway Patrol officers on a highway in the southern part of the state. Spears was released and sentenced to 12 months of probation on Monday morning in Ventura County Superior Court. She was not required to appear due to the charge being classified as a misdemeanor. Prosecutors filed a single misdemeanor charge against the 44-year-old pop superstar on Thursday following her arrest on March 4. Since then, she has voluntarily entered a substance abuse treatment center. As this is a misdemeanor charge, she is not obligated to appear, and her absence will not harm her case. It is unlikely she will attend, although her representatives have not commented on the legal matter or her plans. A representative previously described her actions as unjustifiable and stated that, ideally, they would serve to promote a long-needed change in her life. The singer has a residence in Ventura County, just across the border from Los Angeles County. She was arrested near there. The arraignment will take place in the city of Ventura, a coastal community of about 110,000 residents, approximately 70 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles.
Public SafetyOne dead in motorcycle accident in Mission area
A motorcycle accident in Mission has resulted in one fatality. Police spokesperson Arturo Flores reported that the incident occurred around 3:45 a.m. on the frontage road of Highway 83, eastbound between Holland Avenue and Los Ébanos. Two motorcycles were involved in the crash, and one person was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the victim's identity or the circumstances surrounding the accident, which remains under investigation.
Public SafetySecurity Guard Injured in Shooting at Harlingen Nightclub
A security guard was injured in a shooting at the VIP Gentleman’s Club in Harlingen. Authorities reported that upon arrival, they found the guard with a shotgun wound to the leg. He was treated by paramedics and taken to a hospital. Witnesses managed to subdue the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Thomas Matthew Puente, before police arrived. Investigations revealed that Puente had been previously removed from the club but returned, leading to a confrontation with the guard that escalated into gunfire. Puente now faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault and possession of controlled substances, and was wanted for a previous shooting incident from July 21, 2025.
Public SafetyRamón Ayala III Arrested on Multiple Charges of Domestic Violence
Ramón Ayala III was arrested by McAllen Police on April 30 after officers responded to a report of an intoxicated man in the 100 block of East Sunflower. Ayala was found to have three active arrest warrants and now faces charges of continuous family violence and repeated violation of a protective order, both third-degree felonies. He is also charged with public intoxication, failure to identify himself to authorities, and possession of a controlled substance. Following his arrest, Ayala was booked into the Hidalgo County Jail with a bond set at $70,000.
Public SafetySuspected drunk driver crashes into vehicle, killing a woman, injuring three children
A tragic accident in Edinburg on May 2 resulted in the death of 39-year-old Martha Luna Miranda and injuries to four others, including three children. The incident occurred at the intersection of Salinas Street and West Monte Cristo Road when 31-year-old Miguel Angel Suarez allegedly ran a red light while driving westbound in a truck. Miranda's husband, who was in the passenger seat, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Two boys, aged 9 and 5, were transported to San Antonio for medical care, while a 4-year-old girl was treated and released. Suarez faces charges of intoxication manslaughter and four counts of intoxication assault as the investigation continues.
Public SafetyWanted McAllen man arrested on family violence, protective order violation charges
McAllen police arrested Ramon Ayala III on April 30 after responding to a report of an intoxicated individual in the 100 block of East Sunflower Avenue. Ayala faces multiple felony charges, including continuous family violence and violations of a protective order. He was apprehended on three outstanding warrants and also charged with public intoxication, failure to identify himself, and possession of a controlled substance. Ayala is currently held at the Hidalgo County Jail with a bond set at $70,000.
Public SafetyHidalgo County Sheriff Office search for missing 63-year-old man
The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is seeking assistance in finding a missing 63-year-old man named Cenobio Trejo. He was last seen at 2 a.m. on Sunday in the 400 block of Daisy Drive in Donna. Trejo is described as a Hispanic male, wearing a black cap, an olive shirt, blue jeans, and brown work boots. Authorities are concerned that his disappearance may pose a risk to his health and safety. Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office at 956-383-8114.
Public SafetySuspect arrested in hours-long standoff at Edinburg smoke shop arraigned
Guadalupe Ernesto Garcia Jr. was arraigned on Sunday following an hours-long standoff at Got Vapes Smoke Shop in Edinburg. He faces charges of aggravated robbery, with a bond set at $200,000. The incident took place on Friday, May 1, when Garcia entered the shop armed and attempted to steal items. Fortunately, the manager and two employees inside managed to escape unharmed. The Edinburg Police Department responded to the scene after receiving reports of the robbery, and no injuries were reported during the standoff.
Public SafetyMan wanted under domestic charges, faces additional charges: Police
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A McAllen man wanted on domestic dispute charges was arrested. Ramon Ayala III was wanted on charges of continuous violence against the family, a third-degree felony and violation of protective order, a third-degree felony, as previously reported on ValleyCentral. On Thursday, McAllen police responded to the 100 block of East Sunflower regarding
Public SafetyDeputies searching for missing man in Donna
DONNA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is searching for a missing 63-year-old man. Cenobio Trejo was last seen Sunday around 2 a.m. at the 400 block of Daisy Drive in Donna, according to a Clear Alert. He is described as a 5'7", Hispanic man who weighs approximately 100 pounds with gray hair and
Public SafetyAlleged drunk driver kills woman, injures children in overnight Edinburg crash: Police
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A woman was killed and two children were seriously injured in an overnight two-vehicle crash involving an alleged intoxicated driver, according to the Edinburg Police Department. Police said the crash happened late Saturday night at the intersection of Salinas Street and West Monte Cristo Road. Investigators say a westbound vehicle, driven
Public SafetyUnited Flight Strikes Light Pole and Damages Delivery Truck During Landing
A United Airlines Boeing 767 flight from Venice, Italy, struck a light pole while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday afternoon. The incident involved flight 169, which landed safely despite the collision. A delivery truck on the New Jersey Turnpike was also damaged, and its driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries but has since been released. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident. United has removed the crew from service and is assessing the aircraft for damage, with a preliminary report expected in 30 days.
Public SafetyWATCH LIVE: Edinburg smoke shop suspect to be arraigned
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A 23-year-old man accused of aggravated robbery before barricading himself inside a smoke shop was arraigned on Sunday afternoon, according to the Edinburg Police Department. Guadalupe Ernesto Garcia Jr., of Edinburg, appeared in front of a judge on Sunday afternoon at the Edinburg Municipal Court, where he will be formally charged with
Public SafetyUnited Airlines Passenger Allegedly Tried to Enter Cockpit After Assaulting Crew Member
A United Airlines passenger allegedly assaulted a crew member and attempted to enter the cockpit before being removed by police at Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday night. The 48-year-old man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was detained and taken to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation. A second passenger declined medical attention, and no further injuries were reported. The FAA is investigating the incident, which occurred on flight 1837 arriving from the Dominican Republic. This year, nearly 500 reports of unruly passengers have been filed, with 110 occurring in April alone.
Public SafetyBuild-A-Bear recalls 36,000 Heart-Warming Hugs bears due to injury risk
Build-A-Bear is recalling approximately 36,000 Heartwarming Hugs Bears due to a serious risk of injury or death from a detached zipper that poses a choking hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall, which includes about 520 bears sold in Canada. The bears, priced at around $48, were sold between January and March 2026. Customers are advised to stop using the bears immediately and return them to the nearest Build-A-Bear store or request a shipping label online. No injuries have been reported, although a consumer in the UK noted a zipper issue. For more details, visit www.buildabear.com/recalls.