Skip to content
The Brownsville

The Brownsville

Safety

Man pleads guilty to causing crash that killed 77-year-old San Benito woman

A 77-year-old San Benito woman died in a fatal Harlingen crash on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (Courtesy: DPS) A 30-year-old man has pleaded guilty to causing a fatal two-vehicle crash in Harlingen that killed a 77-year-old San Benito woman in 2024. Jose De La Cruz pleaded guilty on Se...

MyRGVSep 21, 2026

Five hospitalized in La Grulla crash involving Border Patrol unit: DPS

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two adults and three kids were hospitalized following a crash involving a U.S. Border Patrol unit in La Grulla Monday afternoon. The crash happened at about 2:46 p.m. on US 83 west of FM 2360 by Border Patrol lane, according to the Texas Departm...

ValleyCentralSep 21, 2026

Father, son killed in two-vehicle crash north of McAllen

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A father and son were killed in a two-vehicle crash north of McAllen Sunday morning, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The crash happened around 11:38 a.m. on Ware Road north of McAllen, south of 6 Mile Line. According to DPS, ...

ValleyCentralSep 21, 2026

Inmate death at Cameron County jail prompts Rangers probe

A n inmate at the Carrizales-Rucker Detention Center died Sunday following what Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Treviño referred to as a medical emergency, triggering a Texas Rangers investigation. The detention center is located at 7100 Old Alice Road in Olmito. The sheriff said i...

MyRGVSep 20, 2026

Inmate dies while in custody at Carrizales Detention Center

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Cameron County jail inmate was pronounced dead Sunday morning while in custody. Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Trevino said in a statement that the inmate was suffering from a medical emergency Sunday morning while in custody at the Carrizales ...

ValleyCentralSep 20, 2026

2 arrested, marijuana and cocaine seized in San Benito raid

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Authorities arrested two men and seized drugs during a raid at a San Benito home on Friday. Members of the San Benito Police Department SWAT team, Special Investigations Unit and Cameron County Sheriff's Office SWAT team executed a narcotics sea...

ValleyCentralSep 19, 2026

Starr County brush fire fully contained, 590 acres burned

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A brush fire that ignited in Starr County has been fully contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Approximately 590 acres burned along Las Brisas Road, located northeast of Rio Grande City. The Starr County Precinct 4 San Isidro Fir...

ValleyCentralSep 18, 2026

Community marks 25 years since Causeway collapse

By DIANTÉ MARIGNY editor@portisabelsouthpadre. com Port Isabel Fire Chief Jim Pigg joins fellow first responders during Monday’s ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Queen Isabella Causeway collapse. The annual observance honors the eight people who died, three surv...

Port Isabel PressSep 18, 2026

Authorities seize about 92 pounds of cocaine at Harlingen airport

T wo people were arrested Wednesday morning after attempting to smuggle nearly 92 pounds of cocaine through the Valley International Airport in Harlingen. Tamya Jones and Shmair Williams were attempting to board a flight from Harlingen to Houston when the baggage inspection revea...

MyRGVSep 17, 2026

Traffic redirected in Harlingen after tractor-trailer flips over: Police

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A tractor-trailer flipped on the southbound expressway in Harlingen, causing traffic delays and detours, police said Thursday afternoon. The curved southbound expressway near Valle Vista Mall is closed as crews work to clear the scene. Harlingen...

ValleyCentralSep 17, 2026

Valley ICE officer arrested in Minnesota amid shooting investigation

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A federal immigration officer from the Rio Grande Valley who was charged with lying about shooting of an immigrant during a major immigration operation in Minneapolis was arrested on Wednesday. Christian J. Castro, 52, of McAllen reportedly lie...

ValleyCentralSep 17, 2026

Alamo teen dies in rollover crash near Corpus Christi

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- An Alamo teen was killed in a single-vehicle rollover crash near Corpus Christi. State troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety Corpus Christi Division responded to the crash before 7 a.m. on Saturday. The crash occurred along FM 70 ...

ValleyCentralSep 16, 2026

UTRGV professor on yearlong suspension without resolution

F or more than a year, UTRGV political science professor Clyde Barrow has been on suspension with pay with no resolution. The professor, however, is claiming his criticism over certain choices is the root cause. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) published...

MyRGVSep 16, 2026

Feds call for dismissal of lawsuit by Donna family raided by ICE

This screenshot taken from a lawsuit shows a Donna family’s home in the moments ICE agents entered their property without a warrant on Jan. 9, 2026 and arrested a man’s parents. The family sued on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (MyRGV.com screenshot) T he federal government is seeking...

MyRGVSep 15, 2026

Harlingen proposing half-cent tax hike; public hearing set for Wednesday

H ARLINGEN — For the first time in seven years, the city’s property tax rate might be bumping up, this time to help fund a $2.7 million police union contract, parks upgrades and a growing payroll. Meanwhile, commissioners are also trying to fund the second year of the Harlingen P...

MyRGVSep 15, 2026

Multiple agencies respond to grass, structure fire: WCSO

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Firefighters from multiple agencies are responding to a large grass and structure fire, the Willacy County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday afternoon. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the fire has burned through 7.7 acres and is 50% conta...

ValleyCentralSep 15, 2026

Familicide in the Valley: What can drive someone to kill their own family?

OLMITO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two deadly family shootings in the Rio Grande Valley this year have raised questions about a rare but devastating form of violence: familicide. Familicide, sometimes referred to as family annihilation, occurs when a person kills multiple members of...

ValleyCentralSep 14, 2026

Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala announces retirement

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala is set to retire next month, ending more than five years of service as chief with the Edinburg Police Department. The city of Edinburg on Monday announced Ayala's intention to retire, citing that Ayala will ret...

ValleyCentralSep 14, 2026

Bond DENIED for Honduran man acused of fatally shooting relatives near San Benito

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A judge denied bond for a Honduran man accused of shooting and killing four relatives near San Benito early Sunday morning morning. Joel Christian Pacheco Maldonado is facing charges of capital murder of multiple persons and three counts of aban...

ValleyCentralSep 14, 2026

Honduran man denied bond in 4-person shooting case near San Benito

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A judge denied bond for a Honduran man accused of shooting and killing a family of four near San Benito early Sunday morning. Joel Christian Pacheco Maldonado is facing charges of capital murder of multiple persons and three counts of abandoning...

ValleyCentralSep 14, 2026

Suspect arrested in quadruple homicide near San Benito

A suspect is in custody Sunday as the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office investigates a quadruple homicide in the outskirts of San Benito. Sheriff Manuel Treviño confirmed Joel Christian Pacheco Maldonado as the suspect, with jail records reflecting he’s been charged with capital mu...

MyRGVSep 13, 2026

South Texas College offering free CPR classes to the public

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Free community health care courses are returning to South Texas College this fall. The courses are designed to help prepare students for a medical emergency. Students have the opportunity to learn how to recognize an emergency, perform CPR, and...

ValleyCentralSep 12, 2026

Callers impersonating Cameron County employees: Sheriff

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Trevino is alerting residents of a phone call scheme involving impersonators claiming to be with the Cameron County Sheriff's Office. According to Trevino, the impersonators are making calls to residents about outst...

ValleyCentralSep 11, 2026

Alton man indicted in killing parents, grandmother

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A 19-year-old man was indicted Thursday on multiple charges after being accused in the shooting deaths of his father, mother and grandmother inside their Alton home. Guarav Chopra was indicted on charges of capital murder of several family membe...

ValleyCentralSep 11, 2026

25 YEARS LATER, BROWNSVILLE FIREFIGHTERS REMEMBER SEPTEMBER 11

For Brownsville firefighters, memories of September 11, 2001, remain vivid 25 years later, from watching the attacks unfold to beginning careers shaped by the courage and sacrifice of fellow first responders....

City of BrownsvilleSep 11, 2026

One arrested in pursuit that prompted BISD lockdowns

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Police activity in the city prompted five Brownsville schools to be placed in lockdown, secure and on hold, according to the district. Brownsville police said a car reported stolen just before 5 a.m. prompted a search for the car in the alleyway...

ValleyCentralSep 10, 2026

Affidavit reveals new details in Edinburg pastor child grooming cases

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An affidavit reveals new details in the arrest of an Edinburg pastor accused of inappropriately touching minors at church. According to the affidavit, Jorge Gonzalez Martinez, 49, pastor at Iglesia Internacional Poder y Gloria, is accused of tou...

ValleyCentralSep 9, 2026

Elsa Fire Department warns of callers impersonating firefighters

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Elsa Fire Department is advising the public to be aware of callers impersonating the department. According to a public service announcement, the department has been receiving reports of individuals calling businesses and residents, claiming ...

ValleyCentralSep 9, 2026

Brownsville police identify man accused of stabbing 71-year-old father

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department on Tuesday identified the man accused of stabbing his 71-year-old father. Ernesto Stuart Owen, 36, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury, according to an update f...

ValleyCentralSep 8, 2026

Multiple agencies battle brush fire near Raymondville

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Multiple Valley fire department agencies and the Texas A&M Forest Service are responding to a brush fire in Kenedy County. According to the Willacy County EMC, the Raymondville and Sarita Fire Departments are on the scene of a big brush fire at ...

ValleyCentralSep 8, 2026

Pilot uninjured after plane makes emergency landing in Weslaco

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- First responders are at the scene of an emergency plane landing in Weslaco. Hidalgo County Emergency Management Coordinator Ricardo Saldana confirmed that the plane landed on a field off Mile 13 and 6 1/2 West on Tuesday. According to Saldana, ...

ValleyCentralSep 8, 2026

71-year-old stabbed by son in Brownsville: PD

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man stabbed his father outside their home, according to the Brownsville Police Department. The stabbing took place at the 100 block of Candlewick Ct. A preliminary investigation revealed that a man stabbed his 71-year-old father outside their ...

ValleyCentralSep 8, 2026

Brownsville police investigating two shooting incidents

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department is investigating two separate shooting incidents that took place Sunday evening. According to a news release from Brownsville police, officers responded to the area of Crestview Drive, where a vehicle driving th...

ValleyCentralSep 7, 2026

Bayview man arrested for beating wife to death

Aldo Vargas A 45-year-old Bayview man has been charged with murder for beating his wife to death with an “unknown blunt object.” In a news release, the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as 43-year-old Dulce Vargas. Her husband, Aldo Vargas, was arrested follow...

MyRGVSep 7, 2026

Brownsville man arrested following early Sunday fatal hit-and-run crash

T he Texas Department of Public Safety said a Brownsville man was arrested Sunday after he fatally hit a pedestrian with his car earlier in the morning. Eduardo Hernandez, 24, was arrested and transported to the Cameron County jail. He is charged with failure to stop and render a...

MyRGVSep 6, 2026

Donna man dies after truck plunges into canal, bursts into flames

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A truck fell into a canal before catching on fire, resulting in one man's death, according to a news release from the Texas Department of Public Safety. At approximately 5:50 a.m., DPS troopers responded to a single-vehicle crash on Trenton Road...

ValleyCentralSep 6, 2026

Shots fired at Brownsville commissioner’s home following disannexation vote

P olice say someone shot at the home of a sitting Brownsville city commissioner early Saturday morning. In a statement Saturday afternoon, the Brownsville Police Department confirmed an active investigation but did not yet identify the commissioner whose home was in the vicinity ...

MyRGVSep 5, 2026

Brownsville PD investigates shots fired outside City Commissioner's home

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department is investigating shots fired in front of a sitting Brownsville City Commissioner's home, according to a news release. According to Brownsville police, the shooting occurred early Saturday morning. No injuries ha...

ValleyCentralSep 5, 2026

McAllen police seek man wanted on several felony warrants

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — McAllen police are searching for a man wanted on several felony warrants stemming from a domestic-related investigation. Jakobie Deanthony Harris, 23, of McAllen, is wanted on two counts of violation of certain court orders, a third-degree felon...

ValleyCentralSep 4, 2026

Penitas man killed, 2 hospitalized in crash north of Palmview: DPS

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Penitas man was killed and two people were hospitalized after a three-vehicle crash north of Palmview Friday afternoon, according to an update from the Texas Department of Public Safety. At approximately 1:47 p.m., DPS troopers responded to a ...

ValleyCentralSep 4, 2026

Border Patrol agent pleads guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material

A Border Patrol agent pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material Wednesday in Brownsville federal court, records show. Eduardo Longoria entered his plea without an agreement with prosecutors and is now scheduled for sentencing in December. He was arrested on Marc...

MyRGVSep 4, 2026

Vehicle 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 b...

ValleyCentralSep 3, 2026

McAllen 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 ...

ValleyCentralSep 3, 2026

Hidalgo 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...

ValleyCentralSep 3, 2026

2 arrested for smuggling marijuana into Cameron County jail

T he Cameron County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two people accused of smuggling marijuana into the Cameron County Carrizales-Rucker Detention Center. Victor Manuel Castillo, 27, and Alejandra Maria Guevara, 23, are charged with prohibited substance in a correctional facility, a...

MyRGVSep 3, 2026

5 men charged in McAllen prostitution 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 o...

ValleyCentralSep 2, 2026

Body recovered from San Juan canal after suspected accidental fall, police say

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An investigation is underway after the body of a 59-year-old man was recovered from a canal on Tuesday evening in San Juan. San Juan police identified the man on Wednesday as Alejandro Quintero. Police believe he fell into the canal by accident....

ValleyCentralSep 2, 2026

Video shows fiery car crash into Hidalgo County Courthouse

A video has surfaced showing the fiery crash at the Hidalgo County Courthouse late Sunday evening. Surveillance footage shared with MyRGV.com shows multiple angles of the vehicle hurling toward the courthouse and going airborne before erupting in flames. An angle from inside the ...

MyRGVSep 1, 2026

Woman accused of delivering marijuana to Cameron County inmate

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A woman was arrested and charged after allegedly delivering marijuana to an inmate at a Cameron County correctional facility. Alejandra Maria Guevara, 23, was arrested in Brownsville on Tuesday and charged with bringing a prohibited substance in...

ValleyCentralSep 1, 2026

Driver injured after crashing into RV in Donna, police say

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A driver was seriously injured after crashing into an RV in Donna Monday night, according to the Donna Police Department. On Aug. 31 at approximately 11:40 p.m., Donna police located the crash at RV Station on the 200 block of W. Expressway 83. ...

ValleyCentralSep 1, 2026

Brownsville ISD PD warn parents of 'Cat in the Hat' trend

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Independent School District Police and Security Services Department is advising parents to stay vigilant when it comes to the "Cat in the Hat" social media trend. According to the public service announcement, BISD police are awar...

ValleyCentralAug 31, 2026