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• Constable: Some Contractors Dumping Trash Illegally Play Video

  May 21, 2013 1:15 PM

  MISSION - The Hidalgo County Precinct 3 constable said people could be adding to the problem of illegal dumping without knowing it. It's a war against waste in Hidalgo County. There are hundreds of illegal dumpsites in the county. CHANNEL 5 NEWS found one on Texan and Mile 6,... more »

• Thief Takes Puppy from Home Near Alamo Play Video

  May 20, 2013 7:49 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Police are looking for a man who stole a puppy from a home near Alamo Sunday. Surveillance cameras captured images of the man as he tried to break into the trucks at the home. He was not able to break into the trucks, so he took... more »

• Deputies Find Marijuana after Responding to Robbery Call Play Video

  May 20, 2013 4:16 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Authorities have launched an investigation into a possible drug stash house near Weslaco. Hidalgo County sheriff's deputies were called to the house on Midway and Mile 5 roads for a robbery. The deputies questioned the homeowner and found discrepancies in his story. Deputies got a search... more »

• Robbery Report Raises Questions, Deputies Searching Home Play Video

  May 20, 2013 1:02 PM

  WESLACO - Hidalgo County sheriff's deputies are searching a property on Midway and Mile 5 ½ in Weslaco. According to Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino, deputies responded to a report of a robbery at the home. But he added once they got there, the victim's story didn't add up. ... more »

• Sheriff's Deputy Recovering After Crash Play Video

  May 19, 2013 8:55 PM

  EDINBURG - An Hidalgo County sheriff's deputy is recovering after a crash Saturday night involving an alleged drunk driver. DPS Sergeant Johnny Hernandez said 57-year-old Lucio Ochoa was arrested last night for drunk driving, failure to stop and render aid and driving without a license. Authorities said the... more »

• Omar Guerrero's Family Sues Sheriff, Judge Play Video

  May 17, 2013 7:39 PM

  EDINBURG - The family of embattled former Hidalgo County District Clerk Omar Guerrero said the sheriff's department and a judge violated their constitutional rights. Guerrero's father and sister were charged with helping him escape to avoid prosecution for a sexual assault. Authorities believe Guerrero is hiding in Monterrey, Mexico.... more »

• ICE Issues Details about Immigrant Releases Play Video

  May 17, 2013 7:31 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have finally released the numbers of illegal immigrants released from custody. ICE officials said the releases are happening because they can't afford to keep them all in detention. They blame federal budget cutbacks for the releases. ICE had refused... more »

• Woman Faces new Child Abuse Charges Play Video

  May 17, 2013 4:08 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - A woman accused of burning her son's hand faces new charges of child abuse. The woman was charged with causing injury to a child in March. Investigators said she held her 2-year-old son's hand over a stove's open flame. Court records show her other two... more »

• Tip Leads Authorities to Stash House Play Video

  May 10, 2013 7:24 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - A tip led Hidalgo County sheriff's deputies to a stash house full of immigrants, officials said. Border Patrol agents and sheriff's deputies raided the house near the Mile 6 North and Shary roads. They arrested 81 illegal immigrants. A suspected human smuggler also was arrested.... more »

• Judge to Decide Handy's Fate Play Video

  May 9, 2013 8:20 PM

  EDINBURG - Former Hidalgo County Precinct 1 Commissioner Sylvia Handy put her fate in the hands of a judge Thursday. The judge will decide if she is guilty of using tax money to pay people who showed up on the county payrolls but did not work for the county.... more »

• Authorities Search for Man Who Posed as a County Employee Play Video

  May 9, 2013 8:12 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Residents of a small Hidalgo County neighborhood say a man posing as a county employee tricked them out of their money. Jose Ovalle said the man walked up to him and told him he needed to put up an address sign. The man told Ovalle the... more »

• Water Conservation Plan Proposed for Hidalgo County Play Video

  May 9, 2013 4:16 PM

  EDINBURG - Municipal, county and state leaders met Thursday during the Hidalgo County Water Conference. Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia said the objective of the conference was to take individual water conservation plans and craft a regional strategy. Jim Darling, president of the Rio Grande Regional Water Authority,... more »

• Hidalgo County Leaders to Make Unified Plan to Address Drought Play Video

  May 9, 2013 12:52 PM

  EDINBURG - Hidalgo County leaders are meeting to discuss how to address the ongoing drought. Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia said they're no longer relying on getting any water from Mexico. Instead he said he wants the county and nearly two dozen cities inside Hidalgo County to come up... more »

• Neighbors Upset over Illegal Dump in Hidalgo County Play Video

  May 8, 2013 8:20 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Residents of a neighborhood in Hidalgo County said a lot has become a tire dumping site. Thousands of tires are pilled up alongside computer monitors and car parts. Those who live next to the lot said it is a breeding ground for pests. "It's sad... more »

• Hidalgo County DA Questions Guerrero's Bond Arrangement Play Video

  May 8, 2013 7:54 PM

  EDINBURG - The Hidalgo County District Attorney's Office says there may have been some irregularities in the release of a former county clerk. Four bond companies teamed up to post Omar Guerrero's $1 million bail. Hidalgo County District Attorney Rene Guerrero said that should have never happened. "Bail... more »

• Deputies Searching for Ex-District Clerk Play Video

  May 8, 2013 1:03 PM

  EDINBURG - The ex-Hidalgo County district clerk is nowhere to be found. Deputies are searching for Omar Guerrero. They have a warrant for his arrest in connection with the sexual assault of a minor. Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino confirmed U.S. Marshals are joining his deputies in their search... more »

• Agents Raid Homes in Hidalgo County

  May 7, 2013 8:16 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Homeland Security Investigations agents and McAllen police conducted two raids at two different sites Tuesday. Officials said the raids are connected, but they would not provide any details about the nexus. One of the raids happened in the 100 block of San Jacinto, in the... more »

• Robbery Task Force Reaches out to Business Owners Play Video

  May 7, 2013 8:10 PM

  EDINBURG - The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Department Robbery Task force is reaching out to merchants in an effort to combat crime in the region. The deputies have spent weeks indentifying the 264 convenience stores and drive-thrus in the county. One of those businesses, Firebird Icehouse, was robbed in... more »

• Million Dollar Bond Set for Former District Clerk Play Video

  May 4, 2013 9:52 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Officials have set the bond for former Hidalgo County District Clerk Omar Guerrero high to keep him behind bars. Hidalgo County Sheriff's Deputies executed several warrants at Guerrero's home Friday. During the search investigators found a rifle with an altered serial number and cocaine. Justice... more »

• Flooding a Problem in Some Weslaco Neighborhoods Play Video

  April 29, 2013 7:50 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - The possibility of more downpours has many Weslaco residents on edge. Residents of one neighborhood said their street becomes a virtual river every time it rains. Elias Alvarado said his home near Kansas and Huisache streets becomes waterfront property when it rains. He has lived... more »

• Officials Ask Residents to Help Prevent Flooding Play Video

  April 29, 2013 7:45 PM

  WESLACO - Hidalgo County officials are asking residents to do their part to prevent flooding. Hidalgo County Emergency Manager Oscar Montoya said crews are preparing for sudden downpours. He said residents must do their part to ensure those preparations work. Montoya said drains, culverts and gutters across the... more »

• Sheriff: Cartels Resorting to Scare Tactics Play Video

  April 26, 2013 7:46 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - An increase in the confiscation of drug loads may be driving cartels to resort to scare tactics, officials said. Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino said the Rio Grande Valley's law enforcement community has received threats about poison-laced drug loads. Trevino said the cartels may be... more »

• Drug Cartels Issue Threat to Valley Authorities Play Video

  April 26, 2013 4:12 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Authorities say drug cartels may be lacing drug packages with poison. Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino said his deputies have been instructed to handle confiscated bundles with care. Trevino said cartel operatives made the threat to American law enforcement. The sheriff said his deputies... more »

• Water Wells to Provide Some Drought Relief Play Video

  April 25, 2013 7:48 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Irrigation officials are turning to old water wells to keep their canals from going dry. Hidalgo County Irrigation District 3 was on the brink of running out of water. The district is one of the main water suppliers for McAllen. "All of this electricity is... more »

• Police Seize Marijuana After Chase Play Video

  April 25, 2013 7:34 PM

  EDINBURG - A man is behind bars after leading police on a chase through three Hidalgo County cities. La Joya police said the suspect hit a truck before crashing into a car dealership on FM 492. The driver tried to flee on foot, but was quickly arrested. Police... more »

• Teen Sentenced to Federal Prison in Drug Case Play Video

  April 24, 2013 8:02 PM

  McALLEN - Federal prosecutors say a Pharr teenager who allegedly worked for a drug cartel bragged about his crimes on Facebook. A judge on Wednesday sentenced him to more than nine years in prison. Erick Ochoa Rodriguez, 19, bragged about his involvement in drug and firearms trafficking, court... more »

• Some Residents Unfazed by Drought Play Video

  April 23, 2013 7:50 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Several Rio Grande Valley irrigation districts are running out of water. But some fare better than others. For many residents in the Alamo area, irrigation water is just a phone call away. Frank Ortega said he pays about $32 for enough water to flood his... more »

• Excavator Arm Packed with Marijuana Play Video

  April 23, 2013 4:25 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Authorities discovered 200 bundles of marijuana inside the arm of an excavator. The Hidalgo County HIDTA task force and Precinct 4 deputy constables used a blowtorch to access the inside of the excavator arm after a drug-sniffing dog detected the drugs. Authorities said a tip... more »

• Valley Cities Promote Recycling Play Video

  April 22, 2013 10:01 PM

  McALLEN - Several Hidalgo County municipalities are trying to raise awareness about pollution caused by plastic bags. They also have started recycling programs. "Sometimes I think of going out there and picking them all up," Mission resident Estela Flores said. Flores said she is a new recycler. "I... more »

• Family Mourning After Loss of Toddler Play Video

  April 20, 2013 9:58 PM

  PALMVIEW - A toddler is dead after his father accidentally ran him over. Hidalgo County Officials responded to the home near Mile 2 and FM 492 friday night. Authorities are still investigating, no word in anyone will be facing charges. more »

• Ex-County Commissioner's Hearing Delayed Play Video

  April 15, 2013 12:59 PM

  EDINBURG - The trial was delayed for a former Hidalgo County commissioner facing state theft charges. Sylvia Handy was set to go to trial today. Instead, defense attorneys and prosecutors agreed to delay another pre-trial hearing for either late April or early May. At this point, no trial date... more »

• Wanted man busted in Elsa Play Video

  April 13, 2013 9:13 AM

  ELSA - A Tennessee man wanted for cashing nearly $1 million dollars in stolen checks is busted in the valley. U.S. Marshals Service Investigators along with Hidalgo County Sheriff's Task Force Officers and a San Juan Police Task Force Officer arrested 23-year-old Eduardo Cantu-Urbina. According to U.S. Marshals,... more »

• Large Brush Fire Contained in Edinburg Play Video

  April 12, 2013 4:06 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Fire officials are trying to determine what sparked a fire in Edinburg Friday afternoon. Five fire trucks were dispatched to the site east of Highway 281 and south of Freddy Gonzalez Road to battle the blaze. Firefighters kept the flames from spreading to nearby homes.... more »

• Former Panama Unit Members Plead Not Guilty Play Video

  April 12, 2013 4:00 PM

  McALLEN - The members of a former drug interdiction unit pleaded not guilty to drug conspiracy charges. Seven of the nine former members of Hidalgo County's disbanded Panama Unit entered the pleas in a federal court Friday in McAllen. The former lawmen are accused in a corruption case.... more »

• Driver of Stolen Truck Crashed into Fence Play Video

  April 11, 2013 1:16 PM

  NEAR ELSA - A police chase ended near Elsa with a suspected car thief in custody. A man reported his truck was stolen this morning. Around 7 a.m., police spotted it near Trenton Road and Tower Road. That's when the chase started. We're told the driver zigzagged across Hidalgo County,... more »

• Deputies Search for Kidnapping Suspects Play Video

  April 10, 2013 7:05 PM

  DONNA - Hidalgo County sheriff's deputies are searching for several suspects in the kidnapping and shooting of a man Wednesday near Donna. Investigators said the suspects abducted the victim and shot him in the arm before leaving him in rural Hidalgo County along FM 493. The victim is... more »

• Federal Budget Cuts to Impact Unemployment Benefits Play Video

  April 9, 2013 8:30 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Federal budget cuts will impact thousands of Rio Grande Valley residents receiving long-term unemployment benefits. The Texas Workforce Commission began sending letters to those on emergency federal unemployment saying they will see a 10 percent cut in benefits. Lupita Herrera, a single mother on unemployment,... more »

• Resident Concerned about Gap in Border Fence Play Video

  April 9, 2013 7:53 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - A veteran living south of Penitas said he is tired of seeing illegal immigrants and drugs funnel through a gap in the border fence behind his home. Juan Mercado said the feds never closed the gap in the fence in his Abram neighborhood. CHANNEL 5... more »

• Authorities Break up Cockfighting Ring near Elsa

  April 8, 2013 7:45 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Authorities are searching for a group of people suspected of attending a cockfight over the weekend near Elsa. Hidalgo County Precinct 1 deputy constables arrested Orlando Galvan at the site. He is accused of running the cockfighting ring. A judge set his bond at $20,000. ... more »

• Investigators Searching for Spectators in Cockfight Case Play Video

  April 8, 2013 4:23 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Deputy constables are searching for people suspected of attending a cockfight over the weekend. Authorities arrested Orlando Galvan on charges of running a cockfight ring near Elsa. At least a dozen other people face fines for watching the fights. Hidalgo County Precinct 1 deputy constables... more »

• Hidalgo County to Require Fire Hydrants in New Rural Developments Play Video

  April 5, 2013 9:58 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Many rural Hidalgo County residents are concerned about the lack of fire hydrants in their neighborhoods. Firefighters battling blazes in rural areas must take extra tankers to avoid running out of water. County officials now want to change that. Ermenejildo Sanchez said the lack of... more »

• Authorities Surround Mobile Home in Hidalgo County Play Video

  April 5, 2013 4:26 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Federal and local authorities surrounded a mobile home this afternoon in Citrus City. Border Patrol agents and constables arrived at the mobile home around 1 p.m. at Santa Monica and Abram roads, just north of Mile 7 North. There is no word yet on what... more »

• 1 in Custody after Morning Shooting Play Video

  April 5, 2013 1:02 PM

  NORTH OF PALMVIEW - One person is in custody, after a shooting in Hidalgo County. According to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, the shooting happened at a home near Moorefield Road this morning. One person was shot in the head. They suspect the shooter was driving a Trailblazer. Deputies... more »

• Shooting Case Sent to Hidalgo County DA Play Video

  April 4, 2013 4:24 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Police finished their probe into last month's deadly shooting at a restaurant in Edinburg. The shooting happened on March 12 at the Pumpjack Mexican Restaurant at 711 Monte Cristo Road. Police said the owner fatally shot an intruder. Investigators said Gilberto Medina Jr. broke into... more »

• Ambulance Rammed in Hidalgo County Play Video

  April 3, 2013 4:30 PM

  EDINBURG - Hidalgo County sheriff's deputies are investigating the ramming of an ambulance as it rushed an assault victim to a hospital. EMS workers picked up the victim in Hargill. They were on their way to Edinburg Regional Medical Center when a driver following them rammed his car into... more »

• Former Deputy Charged in Corruption Case Play Video

  April 2, 2013 4:18 PM

  McALLEN - A former Hidalgo County sheriff's deputy went before a judge Tuesday in a federal corruption case. Jorge Garza was arrested Monday. Federal agents said Garza and fellow deputy J.P. Flores were paid $10,000 to conduct fake traffic stops, seize drug loads and turn them over to Fernando... more »

• Another Ex-Sheriff's Deputy Charged in Drug Conspiracy Play Video

  April 1, 2013 1:03 PM

  MCALLEN - Another former Hidalgo County sheriff's deputy has been charged in connection with a drug conspiracy. Jorge Garza was taken into custody this morning. He's accused of working with a drug trafficker to make it appear as if drug loads were seized by authorities. According to prosecutors, Fernando... more »

• More Than 900 Pounds of Marijuana Found at a Home Play Video

  March 31, 2013 10:48 PM

  MCALLEN - The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office narcotics unit is looking for the people responsible for 900 pounds of marijuana found at a home. Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Treviño told CHANNEL 5 NEWS they received a tip that a truck loaded with bundles of marijuana was at a home... more »

• Hidalgo County to Challenge Census Play Video

  March 28, 2013 5:28 PM

  EDINBURG - Hidalgo County leaders will travel to Washington to make their case for a census adjustment. Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia said 2010 U.S. Census workers missed more than 17,000 households in the region. He and other leaders plan to meet with lawmakers to present the new data.... more »

• Partial Skeletal Remains Found in Hidalgo County Play Video

  March 28, 2013 1:03 PM

  NEAR PALMVIEW - Hidalgo County sheriff's deputies are investigating partial skeletal remains found in the Palmview area. Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino said they got an anonymous tip after two children discovered the body. Investigators told us the body was covered, but they suspect wildlife may have gotten to... more »

• Retired Deputy Granted Bond Play Video

  March 27, 2013 12:44 PM

  MCALLEN - A federal judge placed a retired sheriff's deputy under house arrest. J.P. Flores was granted bond at one of his first hearings this morning. Prosecutors accuse Flores of misusing his former position as the head of the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Crime Stoppers program. He allegedly worked with... more »

• Sheriff Says It's Difficult to Prosecute Metal Thieves Play Video

  March 26, 2013 7:41 PM

  EDINBURG - Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino said his department has few chances of prosecuting those accused of stealing copper. Trevino said the thieves must be caught red-handed. He said the crime is difficult to prosecute because thieves melt down the pipes or wire they steal. Once it's melted,... more »

• Psychologist: Juvenile System Appropriate for Teen Accused of Murder Play Video

  March 26, 2013 4:09 PM

  EDINBURG - A psychologist on Tuesday said a teen charged in the murder of nine illegal immigrants should remain in the juvenile justice system. A judge will determine if the teen is certified to stand trial as an adult. The teen is accused of driving a van full... more »

• Certification Hearing Continues for Teenager Accused of Murder Play Video

  March 25, 2013 4:11 PM

  EDINBURG - Prosecutors today asked a judge to certify a 16-year-old as an adult for his alleged role in the death of nine illegal immigrants. The teenager was arrested in April, 2012, after a van full of illegal immigrants flipped on frontage 83 in Palmview. Prosecutors say the... more »

• Valley Power Outages Play Video

  March 24, 2013 9:06 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - More than 7,000 people across the Rio Grande Valley were without power Sunday. Officials said a buildup of dust and moisture on equipment caused the power outages. Elsa police switched to backup generators during the outage; 911 lines in Elsa were down. Emergency calls were forwarded... more »

• Improvised Immigrant Camp Found on Federal Land Play Video

  March 22, 2013 8:12 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - A parcel of land used by illegal immigrants to make an improvised camp belongs to the federal government, records show. Border Patrol agents arrested 29 immigrants at the site north of Edinburg. The camp was near Monte Cristo and Wallace roads. The property is registered... more »

• Homeowner Stabs Burglary Suspect Play Video

  March 22, 2013 5:20 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - A suspected burglar was stabbed during a fight with the homeowners overnight in Elsa, officials said. Elsa police said the suspect broke into a home in the 500 block of West 5th Street. Investigators said the homeowner apparently knew the intruder. A fight broke out and... more »

• Woman Accused of Holding Son's Hand Over Open Flame Play Video

  March 22, 2013 4:13 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - A Weslaco woman on Friday was charged with causing injury to a child after she burned her son's hand. Investigators said the 26-year-old woman held her 2-year-old's hand over an open flame until it was "cooked." Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino said it is the... more »

• Man Held in Connection with Home Invasions Play Video

  March 21, 2013 9:32 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - A Rio Grande Valley resident is behind bars on a $1 million bond after he was charged with aggravated robbery. Cesar Lopez, 20, was arrested after two armed home invasions last weekend. Authorities said the first home invasion was random. The second attack was targeted,... more »

• Makeshift Immigrant Camp Discovered in Hidalgo County Play Video

  March 21, 2013 7:11 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Federal agents arrested 30 illegal immigrants at a makeshift camp Thursday north of Edinburg. The camp was discovered a few miles from Wallace and Monte Cristo roads. Agents found cots inside domes made out of dried grass. Agents said there was toilet paper all over... more »

• Marijuana Confiscated After Chase in Penitas Play Video

  March 20, 2013 10:47 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - A high-speed chase ended when the driver of a truck loaded with drugs crashed near Penitas, officials said. The incident happened Wednesday. Officials said there were two pickup trucks involved in the smuggling attempt. The second truck likely was an escort, they said. The chase... more »

• Officials say More Teens Involved in Smuggling

  March 19, 2013 9:39 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Drug smugglers are recruiting teens to move illegal immigrants and drugs through the Rio Grande Valley, officials said. Police in western Hidalgo County said they are not surprised with the trend. The most recent case happened Monday in Penitas. A 15-year-old transporting 18 illegal immigrants was... more »

• Investigators Searching for Home Invasion Suspects Play Video

  March 18, 2013 8:11 PM

  EDCOUCH - Hidalgo County Sheriff's Department investigators are looking for the suspects in two home invasions north of Edcouch. The first attack happened at about 8 a.m. Saturday on Mile 4 West Road. Several men forced their way into a home and demanded drugs and money. At least one... more »

• Experts: Few Water Options Away from the Rio Grande Play Video

  March 15, 2013 10:48 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - High salt concentrations in the region limit the possibility of drilling for water, experts said. The bed of a lake north of Edinburg is pure salt. The lake, La Sal del Rey, is dry. Experts said that salt saturation is what makes the Valley rely on... more »

• New Cameras Installed at Precinct 2 Courthouse Play Video

  March 15, 2013 8:20 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Thousands of dollars worth of security upgrades are being installed at the Hidalgo County Precinct 2 courthouse. The judges, though, are at odds over the need for such an investment. Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Rosa Trevino had complained about the lack of... more »

• Overnight Fire Burns Familys Dream Play Video

  March 10, 2013 10:40 PM

  ALAMO - A family's newly purchased home catches fire overnight. The family just moved into the neighborhood off Cortez Drive and Minnesota Road. The family, too upset to speak on camera, told CHANNEL 5 NEWS they had already moved in all their belongings and memories. They say they were waiting... more »

• Inmates Upset over Deodorant Shortage Play Video

  March 7, 2013 4:36 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Inmates at the Segovia State Prison unit in Edinburg are upset over a deodorant and toothpaste shortage The ex-wife of an inmate said the shortage has led to fights among the prisoners. She said her ex-husband hasn't brushed his teeth in months. Prison officials said... more »

• Suspected Smuggler Behind Bars in Hidalgo County Play Video

  March 5, 2013 10:44 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Authorities arrested a man who led police through several Rio Grande Valley cities Tuesday. Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Johnny Hernandez said the chase started in Havana and ended at North Date Palm and North 13th streets in Alamo. Hernandez said the 29-year-old Alamo... more »

• Auction Gives Some a Chance at Homeownership Play Video

  March 5, 2013 7:48 PM

  EDINBURG - An auction at the steps of a courthouse gave some Hidalgo County residents an opportunity to buy a piece of the American dream. Tuesday's real estate auction was the only hope for some wanting to own a home. Vicente Chavarria was one of those hoping to... more »

• Teen Pleads Not Guilty in Agent's Shooting Play Video

  March 5, 2013 4:33 PM

  EDINBURG - A teenager accused in the shooting of a federal agent last summer in northern Hidalgo County on Tuesday entered a plea of not guilty. Marquez Alvarado, 17, went before a judge for his first appearance since being certified to stand trial as an adult on Jan. 29.... more »

• Canal Riders Crucial for Water Distribution Play Video

  March 4, 2013 7:49 PM

  WESLACO - The dwindling water supply in the Rio Grande Valley has sparked a war of wills between U.S. and Mexican authorities. It also has turned some little-known workers into high-profile players for local farmers and municipalities. The men are known as the canal riders. Thomas de Leon is... more »

• Lawmen Express Divided Opinions over Juvenile Crime

  March 4, 2013 7:41 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - The number of teens recruited by criminal organizations has become a major concern for some Rio Grande Valley law enforcement agencies. Others say the statistics are being blown out of proportion. An early Monday manhunt is one of many cases where teens are accused of leading... more »

• Illegal Trash Burning Sparks Fire Play Video

  March 2, 2013 10:46 PM

  WESLACO - A person responsible an illegally burning is facing charges after the flames got out of control causing a grassfire. Firefighters say the fire started Saturday afternoon near FM 1015 and Mile 13 ½ in Weslaco. Hidalgo County Fire Marshal Juan Martinez says several individuals were burning trash... more »

• House Fire Investigation Play Video

  March 2, 2013 10:44 PM

  PROGRESO - Fire investigators are looking into the cause of a fire at a home that had no power. The fire happened early Saturday morning on 1000 Fresno Drive in Progreso. The Hidalgo County Fire Marshal is working to find out what caused the home to go up in... more »

• Security Reinforced at Hidalgo County Courthouse Play Video

  March 1, 2013 7:26 PM

  EDINBURG - The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Department will boost security at the county courthouse. Sheriff Lupe Trevino said he will add eight more deputies to the judiciary protection detail. A tactical response team also will be posted at the courthouse. Recent acts of violence in other parts of... more »

• Wildlife Refuge Seeks to Conserve Water Play Video

  March 1, 2013 7:13 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - The dry weather gripping the South Texas region has local wildlife land administrators on high alert. They said conserving the water they have has become a top priority. Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge officials said they are not allowed to share that water with area farmers or... more »

• Budget Cuts Could Affect Hidalgo County Section 8 Housing Play Video

  February 27, 2013 8:38 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - The looming federal budget cuts could have a serious impact on Hidalgo County's ability to provide housing for the needy, experts said. Hidalgo County Section 8 Executive Director Mike Lopez said he is almost certain the housing authority will take a big hit. Lopez said... more »

• Battle Rages over Medicaid Expansion Play Video

  February 26, 2013 10:53 PM

  EDINBURG - The battle over expanding Medicaid is moving into Hidalgo County. The issue is related to the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. The federal government wants states to make Medicaid available to more people. The concern is the long-term cost. On Tuesday, the Hidalgo... more »

• Firefighters Battle Pit Fire in Hidalgo County Play Video

  February 25, 2013 10:33 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Fire crews from Alton, Mission, La Joya and Sullivan City responded to a pit fire Monday afternoon near Alton. Fire officials said plastic, paper and other trash fueled the fire. The strong winds helped the fire spread, officials said. "The wind was definitely against... more »

• Man Allegedly Tried Fighting with Firefighters Play Video

  February 22, 2013 1:37 PM

  NORTH OF WESLACO - A morning fire north of Weslaco landed an Hidalgo County man in jail. An RV, near Mile 15 and FM 88, caught fire around 9 a.m. Deputies said the man who called 911 was angry at emergency crews' response time. He allegedly tried to fight... more »

• 4 Arrested after Pursuit in Pharr Play Video

  February 20, 2013 10:35 PM

  PHARR - Hidalgo County sheriff's deputies arrested four suspects after a chase that ended in Pharr Wednesday night. Deputies said the suspects refused to pull over during a traffic stop and the chase ensued. The pursuit went from north of Donna to Pharr. The chase ended at the corner... more »

• Home Invasions a Growing Problem in Hidalgo County Play Video

  February 20, 2013 8:17 PM

  EDINBURG - Hidalgo County's top lawman says home invasions are becoming a major problem in the region. Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino said his deputies have responded to nine home invasions in two months. He expects that number to keep climbing. "Home invasions have been a real problem... more »

• Truck Carrying Illegal Immigrants Crashes into Mobile Home Play Video

  February 19, 2013 12:40 PM

  NORTH OF MISSION - Border Patrol agents are in northern Hidalgo County, searching a neighborhood off of Western Road and Santa Monica Road. They're checking to see if they caught everyone involved in an earlier pursuit. We learned authorities chased a truck, starting in Penitas and ending north of... more »

• Deputies, Agents to Increase Patrols in Sullivan City Play Video

  February 15, 2013 7:34 PM

  SULLIVAN CITY - Hidalgo County sheriff's deputies and Border Patrol agents are increasing their presence in Sullivan City, officials said. Local residents said the increase in patrols is overdue. They said their small community has become a hot spot for drug and human smuggling. Sullivan City's police department... more »

• No Leniency for Former Panama Unit Member Play Video

  February 14, 2013 9:16 PM

  McALLEN - A federal judge on Thursday said he will not make any exceptions for the members of the now-disbanded Panama Unit. The judge revoked the bond for one of the four former lawmen arrested after an investigation into wrongdoing by members of the unit. A grand jury... more »

• Officials Crack Down on Roadside Vendors Play Video

  February 13, 2013 8:36 PM

  WESLACO - Hidalgo County health officials are cracking down on roadside vendors selling Valentine's Day treats. The sale of flowers and stuffed animals is allowed. Candy, chocolate or any edible treat cannot be sold, county officials said. Hidalgo County Environmental Health Division Manager Chardo Ramos said almost every... more »

• Solar Lights Planned for Hidalgo County Colonias Play Video

  February 13, 2013 8:30 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Residents of many Hidalgo County colonias may soon have street lights in their neighborhoods. Hidalgo County Precinct 4 Commissioner Joseph Palacios said 50,000 people live in four colonias in his area. Only a few of those people have street lights in their neighborhoods, he said. ... more »

• McAllen Fire Under Investigation Play Video

  February 13, 2013 4:36 PM

  McALLEN - Fire officials are investigating a blaze at a warehouse in McAllen. The fire happened early Saturday in south McAllen, officials said. McAllen Fire Marshal Juan Salinas said they are gathering evidence they could not get before. "At the time we used a lot of water... more »

• Suspected Teen Smuggler Due in Court Play Video

  February 13, 2013 12:44 PM

  EDINBURG - A 16-year-old suspected human smuggler is scheduled to return to court this afternoon. He was arrested last week after allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase through north Hidalgo County. Authorities said the teen, who doesn't have a driver's license, reached speed of more than 120 miles... more »

• Home Invasion Victim Fights Back Play Video

  February 11, 2013 7:34 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - A home invasion victim's determination helped deputies nab her alleged attackers. Teresa Colvilla and her three children were at home asleep Friday night when three men busted through her front door. It was the second time in two years her home was invaded. She said... more »

• Victim Leads Police to Suspects' Home Play Video

  February 9, 2013 11:10 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Three people are behind bars for their alleged involvement in a home invasion. The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Department tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS the suspects invaded a home on Mauren Street, near Bentsen Palm and Mile 9 ½. That's north of Alton. According to the sheriff's... more »