HARLINGEN — When 33-year police veteran Reynaldo Delua picked up the phone at 6 p.m. Monday, he had no idea it would result in a case being solved.
It was an anonymous tip to the Harlingen Area Crime Stoppers that led to the arrest of a juvenile involved in a violent attack at Arroyo Park.
“All I can say is the caller was worried it could happen to one of their family members,” said Delua, Harlingen Area Crime Stoppers coordinator. “And they want justice to be done because they love the city of Harlingen.”
The stabbing incident occurred Monday, July 11, in the evening and left a 20-year-old Harlingen resident bleeding from multiple stab wounds to his back and shoulder.
He was rushed to the hospital by EMS.
Delua a 33-year police veteran with the Harlingen Police Department, said the tip was very effective because it fit the description of the suspect the victim had described.
A total of two tips have come in regarding the case Delua said.
Delua took the initial phone call from the anonymous caller.
Witnesses reported the male victim had been involved in a fight with multiple male subjects in the middle of the street in front of the park.
The suspects fled the area on foot prior to the arrival of police.
Police said the assault appears to be an isolated incident.
Residents are urged to call the Harlingen Police Department if they hear or see anything suspicious in their neighborhoods.
Delua said it was a concerned citizen who called in the tip and police investigators made the arrest.
“Anyone can always call the tip line, we are open 24 hours a day,” Delua said. “We take any lead, it doesn’t have to be one that is out in the press,” Delua said.
Harlingen Area Crime Stoppers President Lorenzo Hernandez said any reports to the crime stoppers are 100 percent anonymous.
“Anybody who reports a crime that leads up to an arrest gets a reward,” Hernandez said. “We decide how much somebody gets for a reward depending on the crime and risk factor.”
Hernandez also said anyone who reports a tip doesn’t have to appear in court.
“We get more than 20 tips a month and give out about two or three rewards a month,” Hernandez said. “Not even the police officer knows who give the tips.”
