by media | Jul 14, 2021 | Featured News, News, Police News
Pharr Police Ask Public for Help on Theft Case – Be on the Lookout
The Pharr Police Department is asking for the public’s help in a theft case that occurred between Sunday, July 11th and Monday, July 12th. Over $40,000 worth of equipment was stolen from the Vanguard Academy located at 1407 W. Moore Rd. belonging to A&E Lawn and Tree Trimming.
Items stolen:
• Orange ’17 Kubota MX 5800 tractor
• Black ’22 Big Tex 16 ft trailer
• Tractor attachments
• Set of trailer ramps
If you have any information about this case, please call Pharr Police at 956-787-TIPS (8477)
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 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 | Apr 12, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, Police News
Individual arrested by Pharr police dies at hospital
The City of Pharr Police Department is reporting that an individual, Adelaido Adrian Diaz (4/5/66), was arrested last night for evading police, was declared deceased at McAllen Medical Center hospital this morning.
At approximately 11:30 pm Sunday, April 11, 2021, Pharr police patrol unit attempted to perform a traffic stop for a traffic violation. Driver Diaz kept driving and a low-speed pursuit ensued for a few minutes until Diaz eventually pulled over. Diaz was arrested for evading police and transported to the Pharr police department’s holding facility.
At approximately 5:54 am, dispatch observed Diaz fall to the ground via a video monitor, hitting his head on the ground. Jailers immediately responded and called for an ambulance. Diaz was found conscious with an obvious injury to the back of his head.
At 6:27 am, the ambulance arrived at the Pharr Police Department. According to police reports, the ambulance arrived at McAllen Medical Center at 6:56 am, where Mr. Diaz was declared deceased.
Pharr Police Chief Andy Harvey stated, “Our deepest condolences go out to the Diaz family. There will be a thorough investigation led by the Texas Rangers to gather all of the facts surrounding this case as well as a separate internal administrative investigation per normal protocol. I have made myself available to the family to answer any questions or concerns they may have.”
The Texas Rangers are investigating this incident. No further information is available at this time.
by media | Apr 7, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, News, Police News
Pharr Police Department Makes History with First Nationally Horse Patrol Certified Officers in the RGV
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr Police Department is proud to announce that four of its officers have graduated from a four-week joint-agency National Horse Patrol Certification program through the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol sector. Graduates of the program are Sgt. Max Longoria, officer Luis Cardoza, officer Gabriel Lopez, and officer Irving Segura, as well as two Border Patrol agents.
This is a history-making moment for the City of Pharr and its Police Department as these officers are the first to be Nationally Horse Patrol Certified since the creation of the Pharr Police Department in the early 1900s and the first horse patrolled police department unit in the region.
The Pharr Police Department, under the leadership of Police Chief Andy Harvey, has been working actively to introduce new, safer, innovative, and community-friendly policing initiatives.
“This marks a new direction in our history at the Pharr Police Department,” said Chief Harvey. “We are grateful to have been given this opportunity and for our wonderful partners at U.S. Customs and Border Protection for working with us on making this initiative a reality,” he continued. “Our new Pharr PD Mounted Unit will serve our community proudly and we are so proud of our officers who will lead our newest policing efforts to ensure our safety and enhance our services to the community,” Harvey said.
During the graduation ceremony, Class 20 (made up of four Pharr PD Officers and two Border Patrol Agents) proudly showcased their newly learned talents by performing a demonstration before a crowd of City of Pharr officials, family, federal partners, members of the Pharr Police Department.
Agents and officers endured a rigorous 4-week training program to successfully complete the certification course. The six graduates spent numerous hours in the classroom learning first-aid, feeding, housing, trailering, and how to properly care for the horses. As they advanced to on-the-job training, the group received instruction regarding field/river patrol, sign-cutting, riot/crowd control, and various job-related duties. The time spent with the horses allowed them to build a solid foundation and better understand the horse’s capabilities and limitations.
“This is a great responsibility and honor,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We are thrilled to be the first Police Department in the region to have a Mounted Unit and look forward to increasing the number of officers in the unit in the future,” added Hernandez. “This has been something we have been planning for a long time and we are thankful to all our federal partners who collaborated with us in making this a reality,” he said.
The Pharr Police Department Unit is expected to begin patrolling the city within the next 30-60 days. As the department’s newest policing initiative, the unit will also work extensively within the community to provide outreach, educational, and safety resources.
by media | Nov 18, 2020 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases, Police News
Pharr PD to Implement “Cite-and-Release”
Adopted policy allows officers to cite and release a person in possession of less than 2 oz. of marijuana, as allowable by state law
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr Police Department will be implementing a new Cite-and-Release policy, which allows officers in the field an option to release a person with less than 2 oz of marijuana. This is a Class B misdemeanor where normally a person is arrested at the scene and transported to jail.
The policy adopted by the Pharr Police Department is governed by Article 14.06 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, enacted as HB 2391 by the 80th Texas State Legislature in 2007, and allows for law enforcement officers to cite and release individuals who commit certain offenses. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pharr Police Department decided to adopt the “Cite and Release” policy and implement it department-wide to minimize the number of individuals being jailed for certain low-level misdemeanor offenses, in this case, possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana, Misdemeanor B.
There are prerequisites to this option, and include the following:
1. The offense must be possession of marijuana. The marijuana must weigh less than two (2) ounces, Misdemeanor B.
2. The offense must occur in Pharr, Texas
3. The suspect must reside in Hidalgo County, Texas.
4. The suspect must be in possession of a valid driver’s license or identification.
5. The suspect must be 17 years of age or older.
6. Possession of marijuana must be the only offense in which the suspect is subject to arrest.
Officers will have the discretion to arrest or release at the scene. This policy simply gives them another alternative. If released, the person will still have to be arraigned at our municipal court within 14 days of the incident and will be released on a PR bond. The Possession of Marijuana Class B case will still be completed by our detectives and sent to the District Attorney’s office as any other case.
“This gives our officers a reasonable alternative to an arrest at the scene if the requirements are met,” said Pharr Police Chief Andy Harvey. “I believe this is another step in our efforts to police in a manner that adds value to community,” he continued.
“It’s important to note that this policy does not decriminalize anything, rather can provide a more dignified option for a low-level offense,” Harvey added. “We are partnering with the Hidalgo County DA’s office and our own municipal judge to make this possible. These are critical partnerships that when working together, can make a difference in our communities,” continued Harvey.
Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez stated, “Our office supports the efforts of the Pharr Police Department, and any other law enforcement agency, to implement this policy as allowable by state law.” He continued, “It is important that our community understand that the offense is not excusable and is still punishable by law, but this adds a level of flexibility to reduce our jail population.”
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., praised the leadership of Chief Harvey for implementing smart policing strategies as allowable under state law that will help provide fair alternatives for low-level offenses. “The offenders will still be held responsible for the offenses committed, but this will help to expedite justice in a fair and responsive manner,” Hernandez ended.
The new Cite-and-Release policy will begin implementation this week.
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