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Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.

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Public Safety

Escobares Police Chief Arrested for Allegedly Driving While Intoxicated

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Nelson Martínez, the police chief of Escobares, was arrested after showing signs of intoxication. Reports indicate Martínez struggled to maintain his balance, had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and a strong smell of alcohol emanating from his vehicle. On April 30, 2026, at approximately 3:45 a.m., a Texas Department of Public Safety officer was conducting operations as part of Operation Lone Star in La Grulla, Starr County. The officer observed a 2020 Ford F-150 traveling westbound on US 83, allegedly committing traffic violations, including failing to stay within a single lane and driving on the shoulder where prohibited. After activating emergency lights, the officer initiated a traffic stop. Upon approaching the driver, signs of intoxication were reportedly detected. The officer conducted standardized field sobriety tests. According to the report, Martínez was subsequently arrested. He was read his legal warnings but allegedly refused to provide a breath sample. The suspect was transported to the Starr County Jail, where he was booked without incident.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 30, 2026
Public Safety

18-Year-Old Arrested After Medical Emergency Involving Minor Allegedly Using Vape in McAllen

McAllen police have arrested Francisco Ariel Cuevas Rivas, 18, for allegedly manufacturing or distributing a Penalty Group 2 substance that caused serious bodily injury, a first-degree felony. The incident occurred on April 22 when authorities responded to a medical emergency involving a 12-year-old who reportedly used a vaping device. According to police, the investigation began after officers found the 12-year-old student unconscious upon arriving at school in the morning. A McAllen Municipal Court magistrate determined there was sufficient probable cause to issue an arrest warrant for Cuevas Rivas, who was taken into custody on April 29. Authorities stated that the investigation is ongoing with support from state and federal agencies. Cuevas Rivas remains in custody and could face additional drug-related charges. Officials also noted that other individuals may face charges if further evidence emerges during the investigation. Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact authorities at (956) 687-8477. Information leading to an arrest may qualify for a cash reward.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 30, 2026
Public Safety

18-Year-Old Faces Charges After Minor Hospitalized Due to Vaping Incident in McAllen

On Friday, the McAllen Police Department announced new charges against Francisco Ariel Cuevas Rivas, 18, in connection with a case that left a 12-year-old boy severely injured after using a vaping device. According to the investigation, Cuevas Rivas was identified as the alleged individual responsible for manufacturing or distributing a controlled substance that caused severe harm to the minor. A judge determined probable cause for his arrest, which was carried out on April 30, and he was booked into the Hidalgo County Jail. Cuevas Rivas now faces multiple charges, including: two counts of manufacturing or distributing a Penalty Group 2 substance causing serious bodily injury, first-degree felonies with bail set at $100,000 each; and two counts of possession of a Penalty Group 2 substance in a drug-free zone, also first-degree felonies with bail set at $30,000 each. The incident occurred on April 22, when authorities responded to a call involving a 12-year-old boy who suffered a medical emergency after allegedly using a vaping device. The boy was found unconscious upon arriving at his school that morning. Authorities stated that the investigation is ongoing with support from state and federal agencies. They also noted that additional individuals could face charges if further evidence emerges during the investigation. The community is encouraged to report any related information to (956) 687-8477.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 30, 2026
Public Safety

Maradona's Last Psychologist Says Former Soccer Star Suffered from Bipolar Disorder

BUENOS AIRES – Carlos Díaz, the last psychologist to treat Diego Armando Maradona, testified on Thursday in the trial surrounding the soccer legend's death, stating that Maradona suffered from bipolar disorder. 'In Maradona, it was necessary to address a comorbid addiction condition. Beyond the addictive spectrum, there was a bipolar disorder and a narcissistic personality disorder to tackle,' Díaz told the court presiding over the trial. During his extensive testimony, Díaz, one of seven healthcare professionals accused in the case, detailed his relationship with the patient and the treatment provided during the 29 days leading up to Maradona's death, which occurred without alcohol or other substances in his bloodstream, according to the autopsy. This marks the second trial regarding the football star's passing.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 30, 2026
Public Safety

17-Year-Old Arrested for Allegedly Providing Alcohol to Minors

Devin Davila, 17, was arrested on April 29, 2026, for allegedly purchasing or supplying alcohol to a minor. He was taken before the McAllen Municipal Court and later transferred to the Hidalgo County Jail with a personal bond set at $3,000. The arrest is part of an investigation into a report of multiple individuals under the age of 21 found in possession of alcoholic beverages. According to police, the investigation began following an incident reported on April 11, 2026, at a residence located in the 1800 block of Kingsborough Avenue in McAllen, Texas. A magistrate from the McAllen Municipal Court determined there was sufficient probable cause to issue an arrest warrant for Davila, charging him with a Class 'A' misdemeanor. Davila also faces charges for allegedly falsifying his age as a minor, a Class 'C' misdemeanor, as well as possession of alcohol by a minor, another Class 'C' misdemeanor. Authorities stated the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests or charges may follow. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at 956-687-TIPS (8477). Information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward, and anonymous tips can also be submitted via the 'P3 Tips' app. Separately, McAllen police issued 25 citations for alcohol possession by minors after responding to a report of a party at a residence rented through Airbnb.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 30, 2026
Public Safety

Increase in Fake Insurance Cases in Texas; Be Prepared and Report Them!

Some consumers, in search of the best auto insurance deal, may learn the hard way that the discount was too good to be true. At Ann Nguyen's State Farm office in Arlington, the insurance agent has been receiving calls from consumers with questions about policies Nguyen did not issue. “This is an example of a fraudulent insurance card someone sent us,” Nguyen said, referring to a digital card featuring the State Farm logo. “Part of the formatting is slightly off.” The card includes Nguyen’s name as the agent, but she did not issue the policy—it doesn’t exist. Consumers believed they had purchased liability insurance but paid someone through an unofficial website or social media. Often, they discover the policies are fake after an accident or a traffic stop. “They truly believed they were buying real insurance, and it’s very unfortunate,” Nguyen said. This issue doesn’t just affect Nguyen or State Farm. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) reported an increase in fraud cases involving fake insurance cards. In 2023, there were 38 reports to TDI. By 2025, the number had risen to 126, and 37 fraud reports were recorded in the first three months of this year—a sign the problem isn’t slowing down. Purchasing by Recommendation On the day Nguyen was interviewed, Lisa Hartman from Minnesota called her office. Hartman said she was helping a consumer named Raul Manzano respond to a court citation following a traffic stop. “They thought they had insurance to cover these things, but they don’t; it’s been horrible,” Hartman told NBC 5 Responds. Manzano now has to appear in court for possession of an invalid, altered, or fictitious insurance ID card. He told NBC 5 Responds he was looking for a cheaper policy when he paid $1,500 in cash for what he believed was six months of auto insurance coverage. Manzano, who does not have a U.S. driver’s license, said he relied on a recommendation and paid someone who knew someone selling insurance. He explained he didn’t realize the insurance proof he received indicated liability coverage in Texas, at least four states away from Minnesota. Hartman said they have been unable to contact the person Manzano paid, and it’s unclear where his money went. “He has a work permit and is trying to be here and do everything as legally as possible,” Hartman said. In Texas, Nguyen said she is working to gather information about who sold the fake insurance to consumers: “Who are they calling? Where are they meeting these people?” Nguyen noted that another consumer shared a phone number for someone they contacted. Telemundo 39 Responde reporter Olivia Martinez and NBC 5 Responds reporter Diana Zoga attempted to text and call that number but received no response. Warning Signs to Watch For Nguyen said most reports she receives involve immigrants who purchased fake insurance cards. The TDI warns that anyone can be a target. “Don’t rush to buy insurance. If you see something on social media saying, ‘Hey, there’s a great deal today,’ insurance companies typically don’t offer deals,” said Mistie Hinote of TDI. Hinote explained that this scam impacts all drivers. If an uninsured driver hits you, you may have to file an uninsured motorist claim on your policy—assuming you have that coverage. “That money comes out of the insurance company’s pocket, and they’ll pass it on to insured customers through higher premiums. So, we’re all seeing the effects of insurance fraud through our premiums,” Hinote said. When searching for insurance, TDI recommends ensuring the person selling the policy is licensed in Texas. Verify that the insurance company itself is legitimate. Consumers can call TDI’s helpline at 800-252-3439 for inquiries. Consumers can also report suspected fraud to the helpline. TDI advises against paying premiums in cash or through third-party payment apps. Legitimate insurers may offer online payment options, but only through their official website or app. TDI noted that scammers often rely on external payment platforms. Nguyen pointed out another red flag: anyone offering insurance with minimal questioning. “These scammers probably aren’t asking all the detailed or thorough questions we would need to issue a legitimate policy,” Nguyen said.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 30, 2026
Public Safety

Former Chick-fil-A Employee Accused of Stealing $80,000 Through 'Mac and Cheese' Fraud

DALLAS, Texas – A former Chick-fil-A employee has been accused of stealing over $80,000 through a fraudulent refund scheme, according to Grapevine police. In November 2025, police reported that Keyshun Jones was caught on surveillance video behind the counter of the restaurant, from which he had been fired a month earlier. Authorities stated that Jones allegedly used the restaurant's cash register to process 800 orders of mac and cheese trays and then refunded the amounts to his personal credit cards.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 30, 2026
Public Safety

Suspect in White House Correspondents' Dinner Shooting to Remain in Custody

The accused shooter who allegedly opened fire during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner last weekend will remain in custody. Public defenders for Cole Tomas Allen had pushed for his release, but during a hearing on Thursday, they stated he 'accepted detention for now.' Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old teacher and engineer from California, was charged on Monday with attempting to assassinate the president and other related offenses after allegedly firing shots outside the crowded ballroom of the Washington Hilton, where President Donald Trump and other White House officials had gathered with journalists for the annual dinner. Allen was apprehended after a U.S. Secret Service agent fired multiple shots at him. A criminal complaint notes that Allen fell to the ground and sustained minor injuries but was not struck by gunfire. In a court filing on Wednesday supporting Allen's pretrial release, his public defenders argued that he has no criminal record and was 'stably employed as a tutor' in California. The attorneys stated that Allen 'has the support of family and friends' who would ensure he complied with release conditions. 'As previously noted, Mr. Allen’s background and characteristics favor his release in this case,' the public defenders wrote, describing him as a 'beloved and respected teacher and colleague who has consistently demonstrated kindness, empathy, and compassion, and never violence.'

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 30, 2026
Public Safety

Mother-in-law of slain former beauty queen arrested in Venezuela; allegedly shot her six times

The Mexico City Attorney General's Office has confirmed the arrest in Venezuela of the suspect accused of fatally shooting Carolina Flores, a former beauty queen from Baja California. Flores, 27, was found dead in her home in an upscale neighborhood of Mexico City's Miguel Hidalgo borough. Authorities identified the suspect as Erika María 'N,' the victim's mother-in-law, who fled to Venezuela after allegedly committing the crime that shocked the nation. 'In coordination with authorities from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Erika María 'N,' the probable perpetrator of the femicide of a 27-year-old woman, was arrested,' the Attorney General's Office announced in a statement on its X account. The suspect remains in custody in Venezuela, awaiting extradition to Mexico, where she could face a prison sentence of 40 to 60 years.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 30, 2026
Public Safety

Charges Dismissed Against Alma Garza Accused of Evidence Tampering

According to court documents, charges against Alma Enríquez Garza, who had been accused of tampering or fabricating physical evidence with the intent to affect an investigation, have been dismissed after a judge dropped the case. The judge granted a motion filed by Garza's legal representative to dismiss the charges, citing insufficient evidence to proceed with the case. Alma Enríquez Garza, 58, was arrested on February 2 in connection with a report involving another individual accused of injuring a minor. At the time, Garza had been released on a $15,000 bond. The alleged incident occurred on January 26, 2026, involving daycare employee Brenda Rae Pérez, who is accused of striking a one-year-old child under her care. Pérez was charged with injury to a child and released on a $50,000 bond. Daycare administrator arrested in connection with alleged child abuse incident.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 30, 2026
Public Safety

Charges Dropped Against Alma Garza Accused of Evidence Tampering

According to court documents, charges against Alma Enríquez Garza, who had been accused of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with the intent to affect an investigation, have been dismissed after a judge granted a motion to drop the case. The documents indicate that the judge approved the request made by Garza's legal representative to dismiss the charges. However, the reasons for the dismissal were not publicly disclosed and appear to be based solely on the state's motion. Alma Enríquez Garza, 58, was arrested on February 2 in connection with a report involving another individual accused of causing injuries to a minor. At the time, Garza's bond was set at $15,000. The alleged incident occurred on January 26, 2026, involving daycare employee Brenda Rae Pérez, who is accused of striking a one-year-old child under her care. Pérez was charged with injury to a child and given a $50,000 bond. Daycare administrator arrested in connection with alleged child abuse case.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 30, 2026
Public Safety

Texas inmate James Broadnax faces Thursday execution amid final appeal arguing he wasnt the shooter

KRGV (NBC 5) · Apr 30, 2026
Public Safety

10 current and former Mexican officials accused in US indictment of aiding drug trafficking

NEW YORK (AP) — The governor of Sinaloa and nine other current and former Mexican officials were charged with drug trafficking and weapons offenses in a U.S. indictment unsealed Wednesday in New York, accused of aiding in the massive importation of illicit narcotics into the United States. Some officials were members of Mexico's progressive ruling

ValleyCentral (KGBT) · Apr 30, 2026
Public Safety

‘Nothing got destroyed’: Evidence tampering charge against Grandma’s Daycare manager dismissed by DA’s office

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office dismissed a charge against a daycare manager accused of tampering with evidence in an injury to a child case. According to Hidalgo County District Attorney Toribio “Terry” Palacios, there wasn’t enough evidence to move forward in the case against Alma Enriquez Garza, 58, of McAllen.

ValleyCentral (KGBT) · Apr 29, 2026
Public Safety

South Texas Man Receives 120-Month Sentence for Role in Deadly Smuggling Plot

Texas Border Business U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 21-year-old Peñitas resident has been ordered to federal prison for his role in bringing in and harboring illegal aliens. Jesus Grimaldo aka Chuy pleaded guilty Oct. 22, 2025. U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Grimaldo to serve the maximum

Texas Border Business · Apr 29, 2026
Public Safety

Peñitas man sentenced to 10 years for human smuggling

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Peñitas man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after prosecutors say he was responsible for smuggling more than 100 people into the U.S. over a nearly three-year period, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office Southern District of Texas. A federal judge ordered Jesús "Chuy" Grimaldo, 21, of

ValleyCentral (KGBT) · Apr 29, 2026
Public Safety

Governor of Sinaloa and Nine Other Current and Former Mexican Officials Charged with Drug Trafficking and Weapons Offenses

Texas Border Business Texas Border Business Wednesday, April 29, 2026 – U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York The Defendants Allegedly Conspired with Leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel to Import Massive Quantities of Narcotics Into the United States in Exchange for Political Support and Bribery. United States Attorney for the Southern District of New

Texas Border Business · Apr 29, 2026
Public Safety

Coordinated Global Takedown Shatters Scam Network with Hundreds of Arrests

Unprecedented cooperation between the FBI, Dubai Police Department, and Chinese Ministry of Public Security has resulted in the arrest of at least 276 individuals and the dismantlement of at least nine scam centers used for cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes.

Texas Border Business · Apr 29, 2026
Public Safety

Prosecutors Claim D4vd Murdered Celeste Rivas Over Threats: 'Would End His Career'

During a court appearance on Wednesday for 21-year-old TikTok star David Burke, known as D4vd, new details emerged about the evidence against him in the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernández from Southern California. Her remains were discovered in an abandoned Tesla registered to Burke. The preliminary hearing, originally scheduled for Friday, was tentatively postponed to May 26. Burke, dressed in an orange jail uniform, agreed to the delay. A defense request to allow him to change clothes and another to seal court documents were denied by the judge, citing public interest in the case. Prosecutors revealed that Burke and Celeste met in January 2022, when she was 11, and began a sexual relationship in November 2023, when she was 13 and Burke was 18. Burke was arrested on April 16 after months of investigation following the discovery of Celeste's decomposed remains in the front storage compartment of his Tesla in September 2025. The coroner determined her cause of death to be multiple stab wounds. Celeste, who disappeared from Lake Elsinore in 2024, was identified through forensic analysis. Prosecutors detailed their findings, including text messages showing arguments between Celeste and Burke, with Celeste allegedly threatening to expose their relationship and ruin Burke's career. Authorities believe Celeste died on April 23, 2025, just days before D4vd's next album release. Burke was charged on April 20, 2026, with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor, and illegal mutilation of human remains, along with special circumstances that could increase his sentence, including witness murder and use of a deadly weapon. Prosecutors allege Burke killed Celeste to protect his lucrative music career, which she had threatened to expose. Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 29, 2026
Public Safety

Secret Service Agent Shot by Suspect During Correspondents' Dinner, Sources Say

Investigators believe the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump shot a Secret Service officer wearing a bulletproof vest, according to three law enforcement officials familiar with the case. Authorities have determined that the Uniformed Division officer was not struck by friendly fire from another law enforcement member, sources told NBC News on Wednesday. Cole Tomas Allen, 31, allegedly breached a checkpoint one floor above the ballroom of the Washington Hilton hotel on Saturday, where the president was attending the White House Correspondents' Association gala. Allen was caught on video running with a shotgun and other weapons. Officials say an officer was struck in the vest and returned fire. The agent was hospitalized but discharged over the weekend. Allen was charged with firing a weapon but has not yet been formally indicted for assaulting a federal officer. A law enforcement source indicated that authorities are continuing to analyze Allen's devices, including desktop and laptop computers from his California residence, as well as his phone, laptop, and hard drives recovered from his Washington Hilton hotel room. Allen, a teacher and engineer from Torrance, California, made his first court appearance on Monday and was charged with attempted assassination of the president, interstate transportation of a firearm and ammunition with intent to commit a felony, and firing a weapon during a violent crime. A document filed Wednesday by prosecutors included several selfies Allen took in his hotel room Saturday night before the attack. The photos show him standing in front of his room's mirror dressed in black with a red tie. According to the court document, the suspect is seen in the image "carrying a small leather bag resembling the ammunition-filled bag later seized from him," along with a shoulder holster, a sheathed knife, pliers, and wire cutters. This article was originally published in English by Kelly O’Donnell and Tim Stelloh for our sister network NBC News.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Apr 29, 2026