LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The men and women who help put out fires and save lives are celebrated across the world on Thursday, May 4, which is International Firefighters’ Day.

The tradition began after five firefighters lost their lives while trying to put out a wildfire in Australia in 1998. The day of observance went into effect the following year in 1999.

In Laredo, firefighters and city of Laredo officials came together to honor the occasion. Everyone is invited to wear a red-and-blue ribbon to show appreciation for them.

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) - Thursday is a day to celebrate all things Star Wars because it is “May the Fourth”, as in “May the force be with you.

While there are already more movies, TV shows, and books than anyone can possibly read about the spectacular adventures of the Jedi and Sith.

This “May the Fourth” Disney Plus decided to add even more tales to its belt.

One such adventure is “Young Jedi Adventures” and set in the “High Republic” era, as Jedi younglings explore the galaxy and learn the ways of the force.

“Star Wars: Visions, Volume Two” on Disney-Plus features new short films made by nine different animation studios from around the world, each telling a new “Star Wars” story in their own way.

So whether you love the original trilogy, the prequels or the spin-off shows, be sure to binge your favorites on May the Fourth!

LAREDO, Tx. (KGNS) - The Laredo Police Department has confirmed that a man under police custody escaped from them and was arrested 48 hours later, but it wasn’t until Monday’s council meeting that the incident came to light after it was brought up by a council member.

The incident was something no other council member was aware of including the city manager; however, District Two Councilmember Daisy Campos addressed it Monday night.

During a discussion related to ongoing audits or irregularities, Campos-Rodriguez mentioned one detainee escaped police custody on Friday, April 28 at around 2:30 p.m.

When asked about this, Acting Police Chief Steve Landin confirmed the incident did happen but said it was unnecessary to report it since police officers were in the area.

“The error happened with the officer. The question that she asked was if I had notified the City Manager, or the Mayor and the Council, and I did not do that. I did not feel like I needed to, the public was never at risk, and notifying them is a courtesy to let them know of what’s going on within the organization. It’s not required in any policy,” said Chief Landin.

Meanwhile, Councilwoman for District Two believes it’s a matter of public safety, especially after the detainee entered a clinic on Pappas Street.

“This individual went into Gateway, and I got a text from an employee where this individual went on foot, with only one tennis shoe wearing, asking to use a phone. And police were just in there asking if you had seen this individual, but he wasn’t caught there and then,” said Campos-Rodriguez. “Chief Landin made it seem during Monday’s council that he was caught within minutes, that he was picked up within minutes. He was picked up within minutes by someone to take him into another part of town, but he was not picked up by P.D.”

Campos said the detainee was caught in an abandoned apartment complex in her district saying that tragedy could have struck again with the detainee possibly harming students, kids in parks or his victim.

The council voted for an internal audit on this incident; however, District Three Councilmember Melissa Cigarroa spoke out and voted against it.

She told the council that she is proposing to first hear a report from the police department before making a vote.

As for the detainee, Laredo Police say 22-year-old Alfredo Santana Loza was originally being processed for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) - A man and a woman are facing charges for allegedly attempting to abduct a man and robbing him at knifepoint.

Laredo Police arrested 33-year-old Ezekiel Vasquez, and 38-year-old Diana Isabel Bustos and charged them with aggravated robbery.

The incident was reported yesterday at around 6:30 p.m. when police received a call about a disturbance at the 2600 block of Bob Bullock Loop.

Officers arrived and met with the victim who stated that Vasquez and Bustos attempted to force him into a vehicle and forcefully took away his cellphone.

After collecting information from the witness and surveillance video from the store, police were able to locate an address on Ashton Loop 20 Vasquez and Bustos were located and arrested by police.

Authorities say the case involved a dispute over monetary debt between the people involved and that it was not a random act.

WEBB COUNTY, Tex. (KGNS) - Law enforcement agencies across the U.S./Mexico border are already in crisis mode as the end of Title 42 nears.

Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar shared his viewpoint on the possibility of a surge of migrants in Webb County once the public health policy expires. Sheriff Cuellar said that although the sheriff’s office is prepared and on standby if anything were to happen, he thinks we won’t see such dramatic scenes as those reportedly out of Brownsville or El Paso. ”I don’t foresee anybody crossing the border here in Webb County. I believe because of the cartels that control the area. I think migrants are going to go around to other border cities and maybe they will bus them over here, but we’re going to be prepared regardless,” said Sheriff Cuellar.

Sheriff Cuellar added that the Webb County Sheriff’s Office is ready to work with the city of Laredo to provide shelter for incoming migrants if it comes to that.

The sheriff’s office works closely with Border Patrol and other state and federal agencies through Operation Stonegarden. Operation Stonegarden handles border security issues and enhances national and state homeland security.