by media | Jul 2, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases

City of Pharr to Host Independence Day Festival at Jones Box Park on Sunday, July 4 @ 5pm
Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and City of Pharr officials are pleased to announce that the City of Pharr will host its annual Independence Day Festival on Sunday, July 4, 2021, at Jones Box Park (1201 W. Rosa LN.) from 5 pm to 9 pm.
The City of Pharr Independence Day Festival is free to the public and will include a variety of family-friendly activities and entertainment. There will be an array of tasty food vendors, a carnival, and plenty of events to keep everyone having a good time as we celebrate Independence Day.
The music lineup features performances by The Hernandez Brothers, Lauren Corzine, Soledad, and Steve Valdez. The evening will end with a spectacular fireworks show display starting at 9 pm.
Admission and parking are free, and we hope to see our Pharr families there. You won’t want to miss this celebration of our nation’s independence!
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Independence Day Festival
WHEN: Sunday, July 4, 2021, from 5 pm to 9 pm
WHERE: Jones Box Park (1201 W. Rosa LN., Pharr, TX 78577)


by media | Jun 29, 2021 | Police News

Traffic Fatality – 16 Year Old Deceased
On Monday, June 28, 2021, at about 3:33 a.m., Pharr Police responded to a collision involving a vehicle striking an apartment complex at the 200 block of North Veterans Blvd. in Pharr, Texas. A preliminary investigation revealed that a Black Chevy Equinox was traveling North at about the 100 block at a high rate of speed. Around the 100 block of N. Veterans Blvd., the driver, a Hispanic male 22 years, lost control of the vehicle and struck an occupied apartment at the 200 block of N. Veterans Blvd. The driver, Jesus Cruz, will be arraigned this morning at 11 am at the Pharr Municipal Court.
As a result of the collision, two occupants inside of the apartment bedroom were struck by the vehicle. Two juveniles, ages 12 and 16, were transported to McAllen Medical Center. The 12-year-old male child sustained non-life-threatening injuries and the 16-year-old child was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
“We are saddened by the loss of one of our residents who died because of another’s carelessness. There is no excuse for driving under the influence of alcohol. You add traveling at a high rate of speed and the danger to others increases immensely,” stated Police Chief Andy Harvey.
This collision is still under investigation. The driver of the vehicle will be charged with Intoxication Manslaughter and Intoxication Assault.
Attached are photos and a video of the suspect vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.



by media | Jun 22, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, News

Pharr Chamber Announces Marcela Beas as President/CEO
The Board of Directors of the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce announced today that it has selected Marcela Beas, M.B.A., as President/CEO. Beas previously served as interim President of the Chamber since 2020; prior to that, Beas was Membership Manager of the Chamber, where she managed the fulfillment of annual new membership sales and existing member retention targets and executed marketing initiatives to create brand advocacy and member growth for the Chamber.
Beas received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Marketing from St. Edward’s University and earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley. In her professional capacity, Beas has acquired a wealth of business and marketing experience in both the public and private sectors. Beas brings to the Chamber exceptional relationship-building skills critical to the growth of the Chamber, as well as experienced project management and market-intelligent and analytical solutions.
“The Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is elated with the announcement of our Executive Director. Marcela Beas brings innovative and positive ideas to support our Pharr Business Community. Her synergy is the key to continue the mission to keep Pharr moving forward,” said Mario Lizcano, DHR Health, Chairman of the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce.
“I am honored to have been entrusted by our Board of Directors to lead the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce at a time when our business community needs us the most. I am committed to fulfilling the Chamber’s mission and look forward to providing relevant services and resources that foster economic growth in our community,” said Beas.

Marcela Beas, M.B.A., Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce President/CEO
by media | Jun 21, 2021 | Media Releases, Police News

Pharr Police Report Possible Home Invasion Robbery
Pharr Police report a possible home invasion robbery. At approximately 6:45 p.m., at least 2 suspects entered the residence at 711 W. Prieda by force. Multiple shots were fired inside the residence resulting in the death of one of the suspects, Hispanic male in his 20’s. A second suspect exited and fled the scene in an unknown type vehicle, possibly grey in color. One of the residents was also struck by gunfire with non-life threatening injuries. Several people are being interviewed by Pharr PD detectives.
UPDATE – Murder Investigation
The Pharr Police Department has arrested and charged Erik Daniel Garza (5-12-93) with the murder of Jose Eduardo Morales (9-16-94). Through the course of the investigation, detectives have identified three persons of interest: Sixto Gonzalez (12-4-96), Leslie Denise Medina (04-18-95), and Dereck Medina (01-23-97). Detectives are currently attempting to locate them along with a 2010 silver in color Chevy Cobalt Texas License Plate BPV-8584.

A search warrant was executed resulting in the recovery of 14 weapons, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns, including a large amount of ammunition.
Pharr Police ask that anyone with information please contact our Criminal Investigation Division at 956-402-4700. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Pharr Crimestoppers at 956-787-TIPS or 1-800-648-TIPS
UPDATE on Home Invasion/Murder
Public Assistance Needed: These vehicles are possibly being driven by Derek Medina (DOB:01/23/1997) and the other persons of interest- Sixto Gonzalez 12-4-96 and Leslie Denise Medina 04-18-95.
The silver Chevrolet Cobalt is listed as a stolen vehicle. Derek Medina IS CONSIDERED TO BE ARMED AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. Any info please call Crime Stoppers @ 787-TIPS *8477)

UPDATE on Frieda Street Homicide – 2 in Custody
Sixto Gonzalez was arrested on 06/24/2021 at the Hidalgo Bridge for a violation of federal probation by the US Marshal Service and is currently in their custody at the La Villa Detention Center. Gonzalez was a person of interest in the murder that occurred at 711 Freida, Pharr, Texas.
Dereck Medina was taken into custody in Mississippi by the US Marshal Service on a warrant that was issued by the Pharr Police Department for Engaging in Organizing Criminal Activity. Pharr Investigators traveled to Hernando, Mississippi and took custody of Mr. Medina on our charges, and he was returned to Pharr on 07/01/2021 for his arraignment. Dereck is the second subject of interest in connection to this homicide.
by media | Jun 4, 2021 | Featured News

NEWS – Pharr Responding to Flooding Caused by Heavy Rains
The City of Pharr Public Works Department is currently responding to different areas in South Pharr, working diligently and dealing with the flooding caused by heavy rains experienced in the area late Thursday.
City officials ask that all residents please remain in their homes as crews work to remove water off streets in neighborhoods. In the event of an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
