LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) -A band of Pacific moisture 2 to 3 miles up is producing mainly trace or barely measurable amounts of rain. The rain drops are mostly evaporating as they fall through dry air beneath the clouds. A deeper layer of moist air will move north above the cool air that will linger over our area with more generous rains during Tuesday. Much warmer air will briefly follow late this week. 

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A pickup truck was reportedly on fire on Saturday, October 7, 2023.

This took place on U.S. Highway 83 near Market Street in South Laredo. At around noon firefighters with the Laredo Fire Department were able to put it out.

No injuries were reported in connection to this incident.

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) - A Laredo ophthalmologist is charged in a repetitive harmful eye procedure fraud scheme.

Dr. Michael Hochman has been indicted for health care fraud and money laundering.

According to court documents, Hochman is an ophthalmologist who owned and operated Michael A. Hochman P.A. and Laredo Laser & Surgery in Laredo.

He is accused of falsely diagnosing vulnerable patients with several degenerative eye conditions.

He allegedly directed staff to conduct fraudulent, repetitive, and excessive medical procedures on patients to maximize profits.

The false and fraudulent claims Hochman allegedly submitted to Medicare, Medicaid and Tricare totaled over 400-million dollars.

The 52-year-old made his initial appearance in federal court on Thursday, Oct. 5 and is set for arraignment October 12.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The city of Laredo witnessed an overnight surge in DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) arrests, with three men now facing legal consequences for allegedly getting behind the wheel while under the influence.

The first arrest happened near the intersection of East Del Mar and McPherson Road at around 2 a.m. on Thursday, October 5. Laredo police took 22-year-old Luis Edmundo Gonzalez, III into custody. The details surrounding Gonzalez’s arrest have not been disclosed at this time.

Shortly thereafter, around 2:30 a.m., 30-year-old Javier Guadalupe Ortiz found himself in police custody near Mines Road and Flecha Lane. In addition to the DWI charge, Ortiz is also facing charges of evading arrest and reckless driving.

The third incident happened by Jefferson Street and San Dario Avenue, where 33-year-old Ramiro Rodriguez was arrested shortly after 3 a.m. Authorities have not yet provided Rodriguez’s mugshot.

Officer Jose Espinoza of the Laredo Police Department emphasized the importance of responsible drinking habits and designated drivers, saying, “We just want to make a reminder to the community if you are going to be going out to a bar or having dinner with some beverages to always have a designated driver to prevent any accidents that may result in even fatalities.”

Laredo police have stated that there is no known connection between the three DWI cases. However, these arrests come at a time when the city has seen an uptick in DWI-related incidents this year.

WEBB COUNTY, TX (KGNS) - A man is facing charges of sexual assault of a child as well as display of harmful material to a minor.

The Webb County Sheriff’s Office arrested Fernando Baltazar Vallejo, 21, in the case.

The sheriff’s office responded to Doctors Hospital on Wednesday, August 24 for a sexual assault report.

Investigators met with the victim and a forensic interview was conducted by the Children’s Advocacy Center where details of the case were obtained.

On Wednesday, Oct. 4, Vallejo was arrested by the sheriff’s office and transported to the Webb County Jail on a $60,000 bond set by Justice of the Peace Danny Dominguez.