Duval County Sheriff's Office

10/31/2026

10/23/2026

DUVAL COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

UPDATE: SHOOTING INVESTIGATION – ADDITIONAL SUSPECT APPREHENDED

The Duval County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce another significant development in the ongoing investigation into the shooting that occurred on October 5, 2026, in San Diego, Texas.

On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Fugitive Task Force successfully located and apprehended Jesse Salazar of Alice, Texas, who was identified by investigators as the alleged shooter involved in the October 5 incident.

Salazar was taken into custody and booked into the Jim Wells County Jail before being transferred to the Duval County Jail.

This arrest marks another important step in the investigation and demonstrates the dedication and cooperation of law enforcement agencies working together to bring those responsible for violent crimes to justice.

The Duval County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Fugitive Task Force and all participating law enforcement agencies for their outstanding efforts, professionalism, and assistance throughout this investigation.

We remain committed to protecting the citizens of Duval County and ensuring that violent crimes within our communities are thoroughly investigated.

The safety and security of our citizens will always remain our highest priority.

All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

10/10/2026

DUVAL COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
PRESS RELEASE

Multi-Agency Operation Leads to Four Arrests in Watermelon Theft Investigation

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 6, 2026, the Duval County Sheriff’s Office conducted a coordinated law enforcement operation in southern Duval County targeting individuals suspected of stealing watermelons from local agricultural properties.

During the operation, authorities identified approximately $7,000 worth of stolen watermelons. Through the combined efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, four adults were successfully apprehended in connection with the thefts.

Technology played a critical role in the success of this operation. The use of a thermal imaging drone provided law enforcement personnel with a significant tactical advantage, allowing officers to safely locate and apprehend all four individuals without injury to suspects or law enforcement personnel.

The Duval County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the following agencies for their assistance and professionalism:

* Falfurrias Police Department
* Brooks County Sheriff’s Office
* Live Oak County Sheriff’s Office
* San Diego Police Department
* Texas Department of Public Safety – Highway Patrol

This operation is a prime example of what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together, utilizing teamwork, coordination, and modern technology to protect our communities.

The Duval County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting the property and livelihoods of our local farmers, ranchers, and residents. Agricultural theft is a serious matter, and those who engage in these criminal activities will be held accountable.

We extend our sincere thanks to every officer and agency involved. This successful operation would not have been possible without your dedication, cooperation, and assistance.

Duval County Sheriff’s Office
Protecting Our Community, Working Together for a Safer Duval County.

10/08/2026

🚨 DCSO INVESTIGATION LEADS TO RECOVERY OF ADDITIONAL STOLEN PROPERTY 🚨

The Duval County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation following the recent theft investigation and arrests of Joshua Leal and Edward Leal.

As part of the ongoing investigation, Investigator Brandon Canales and Investigator Modesto Saavedra conducted extensive follow-up investigative work that led to the recovery of additional reported stolen property in Duval County, Jim Wells County, and Nueces County.

During the investigation, investigators recovered multiple items of property that had been reported stolen, including:

• Polaris Ranger Crew side-by-side UTV
• Miller welding machine and trailer
• Mini bike
• Gas-powered T-post driver
• Automatic gate opener
• Porta Power hydraulic tool
• Winch

Property recovered during the initial response, including a zero-turn lawn mower and two Yamaha four-wheelers, was also recovered as part of the investigation.

The recovered property is currently estimated to have a combined value of approximately $50,000.

The Duval County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the agencies, property owners, and members of the community who provided information and assistance throughout this investigation.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional property may be recovered as investigators continue their follow-up.

Duval County Sheriff’s Office
Serving and Protecting Our Community

10/08/2026

DUVAL COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

– UPDATE ON SHOOTING INVESTIGATION

The Duval County Sheriff’s Office would like to provide an update regarding the shooting that occurred on October 5, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m. at a store located at 311 S. Dr. E.E. Dunlap in San Diego, Texas.

On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, investigators successfully located and recovered both vehicles believed to have been involved in the shooting. Both vehicles were taken into custody by the Duval County Sheriff’s Office for further examination as part of the ongoing investigation.

Through continued investigative efforts, the Duval County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division (CID) identified Steven Chavez of Alice, Texas, as a suspect in the shooting. Investigators gathered sufficient evidence to obtain an arrest warrant for Chavez.

With the assistance of the Alice Police Department Criminal Investigation Division, Chavez was located at a motel in Alice, Texas. When authorities attempted to take Chavez into custody, they discovered a large quantity of suspected illegal narcotics believed to be intended for distribution, along with a fi***rm.

Chavez was taken into custody on the outstanding Duval County arrest warrant, along with additional charges stemming from the narcotics and fi***rm discovered at the motel. Chavez was subsequently transported to the Jim Wells County Jail.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional suspects are being investigated, and further arrest warrants may be forthcoming.

The Duval County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend a special thank you to the Alice Police Department and its Criminal Investigation Division for their outstanding assistance and cooperation in locating and apprehending Chavez.

We would also like to thank the members of the public who came forward with valuable information and tips. Your willingness to assist law enforcement plays an important role in helping us investigate violent crimes and hold those responsible accountable.

The Duval County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting our communities and ensuring that those who commit violent crimes are brought to justice.

All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

10/08/2026

Duval County Sheriff’s Office – Recognizing Our Dispatchers

The Duval County Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize and commend our dedicated dispatchers for their willingness to further their knowledge and training in assisting our nation’s veterans during times of crisis.

Our veterans have sacrificed so much in service to our country, and it is important that we are prepared to provide them with the understanding, compassion, and assistance they deserve when facing difficult situations.

We are proud of our dispatchers for taking the initiative to better serve those who have served our nation. Their dedication to continued education and public safety reflects their commitment to making a difference in our community.

Thank you to our dispatchers for your dedication, professionalism, and willingness to go above and beyond!

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For 9-1-1 dispatchers, every call can be different. Tracy Ertl, owner of Hero Light Training, said dispatchers need to be prepared to recognize those signs.