VALDEZ
By ARABELLA SERRATA
editor@sbnewspaper.com
McALLEN, TX—The McAllen Police Department [MPD] is currently still searching for Samuel De Leon Valdez, last known address in San Benito, for allegedly harboring 16-year-old runaway Angies Dardon.
A public release from the MPD describes Valdez as a Hispanic male at 31 years of age. He is roughly five feet and two inches in tall and weighs approximately 160 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes.
According to Sargent John Saenz, Valdez is wanted in the runaway investigation. The media release for the case stated a magistrate in McAllen Municipal Court deemed “probable cause” to issue an arrest warrant against Valdez. The reasoning for this has not been disclosed to the public due to the case involving a minor.
Saenz did not disclose if Valdez had a criminal record or had crimes relating to minors in the past.
Dardon was last seen at the 1600 block of Dove Avenue, McAllen, TX. Her “voluntary absence” was reported on Nov. 22, 2024 at approximately 10:15 p.m. Saenz said Dardon turned herself in on Jan. 25, 2025. She was missing for approximately 32 days.
Valdez is currently at large. According to Saenz, Valdez was known to associate in the Harlingen and San Benito areas, but the MPD has been unable to locate him.
“Our efforts to locate him have expanded beyond Cameron County… He [Valdez] has entered the state and national system as a wanted person,” said Saenz.
While finding Dardon took longer than the MPD wanted, Saenz affirms that they will continue their search for Valdez.
“We pursue every aspect we possibly can,” said Saenz.
The media releases state that harboring a runaway is a Class “A” Misdemeanor violation of Texas Law and is punishable by $4,000 fine, confinement in jail for up to a year, or both.
Police are asking anyone who may know of Valdez’s whereabouts to call McAllen Crime Stoppers at (956) 687-8477. Tips can also be sent through the P3 Tips mobile app. According to the official McAllen Crime Stoppers website, tippers remain anonymous and can earn rewards up to $1,000 if the tip leads to an arrest.
To learn more or submit a tip online, visit www.mcallencrimestoppers.org.
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