McAllen, Texas, December 10, 2025
A 54-year-old unhoused woman, Latonia Wallace, was shot by police in McAllen, Texas, after she allegedly stabbed a police K-9 named Mino. The incident raised concerns about police interactions with vulnerable populations. Following the stabbing, Officer Josiah Alonzo responded by firing his weapon, injuring Wallace and necessitating emergency veterinary care for Mino. The event has ignited conversations about public safety and the treatment of individuals facing mental health challenges.
McAllen, Texas: Unhoused Woman Shot After Allegedly Stabbing Police K-9
In a troubling incident in McAllen, Texas, a 54-year-old unhoused woman was shot by police officers after allegedly stabbing a police K-9 named Mino during an encounter outside a shopping center. The event has raised significant questions regarding police interactions with vulnerable populations, particularly in the context of public safety and mental health.
Incident Details
On the morning of December 9, 2025, at approximately 8 a.m., McAllen police responded to a report of a woman, later identified as Latonia Wallace, acting erratically outside a local dental office. Officers deployed K-9 Mino to assist in detaining Wallace. During the effort to apprehend her, Wallace allegedly stabbed Mino in the left eye and eyebrow area. In response, Officer Josiah Alonzo fired his duty weapon, injuring Wallace in the lower center-right area, with the bullet lodging in her left buttock. Mino was subsequently transported to San Antonio for emergency veterinary care.
Background Information
Latonia Wallace, 54, is believed to be unhoused, with her last known address in Duncanville, Texas. The incident unfolded outside a shopping center at the intersection of U.S. 83 and McColl Road in South McAllen. Officer Josiah Alonzo, a 3.5-year veteran of the McAllen Police Department, was identified as the officer who fired his weapon. Mino underwent emergency veterinary care following the incident.
Related Incidents
This incident follows a series of events in Texas involving police K-9s. In June 2024, a San Antonio man was convicted of aggravated assault after a viral video showed him threatening a woman who intervened when he was allegedly hitting his dog. The man received five years of probation for the assault charge.
Investigation and Response
The McAllen Police Department is conducting an internal investigation into the use of force during the incident. The department has not released further details pending the completion of the investigation.
Community Reactions
Local community members have expressed concern over the use of force in this incident, particularly involving an unhoused individual. Advocacy groups are calling for a thorough review of police procedures when interacting with vulnerable populations. It underscores the delicate balance between public safety and humane treatment of individuals facing significant challenges.
Conclusion
The shooting of Latonia Wallace by Officer Josiah Alonzo in McAllen, Texas, highlights the complexities of police interactions with unhoused individuals and the use of force in such situations. The McAllen Police Department’s ongoing investigation aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding this incident, as the community seeks a better understanding of how to address both public safety and the needs of its most vulnerable citizens.
What happened during the incident in McAllen, Texas?
On December 9, 2025, at approximately 8 a.m., McAllen police responded to a report of a woman, later identified as Latonia Wallace, acting erratically outside a local dental office. Officers released K-9 Mino to assist in detaining Wallace. During the attempt to apprehend her, Wallace allegedly stabbed Mino in the left eye and eyebrow area. In response, Officer Josiah Alonzo fired his duty weapon, injuring Wallace in the lower center-right area, with the bullet lodging in her left buttock. Mino was subsequently transported to San Antonio for emergency veterinary care.
Who is Latonia Wallace?
Latonia Wallace, 54, is believed to be unhoused, with her last known address in Duncanville, Texas.
What is the current status of K-9 Mino?
K-9 Mino was transported to San Antonio for emergency veterinary care following the incident.
What is the McAllen Police Department’s response to the incident?
The McAllen Police Department is conducting an internal investigation into the use of force during the incident. The department has not released further details pending the completion of the investigation.
Have there been similar incidents involving police K-9s in Texas?
Yes, in June 2024, a San Antonio man was convicted of aggravated assault after a viral video showed him threatening a woman who intervened when he was allegedly hitting his dog. The man received five years of probation for the assault charge.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | McAllen, Texas |
| Date and Time | December 9, 2025, at approximately 8 a.m. |
| Involved Parties | Latonia Wallace (54-year-old unhoused woman), Officer Josiah Alonzo (3.5-year veteran), K-9 Mino |
| Incident Details | Wallace allegedly stabbed K-9 Mino during an attempt to detain her; Officer Alonzo fired his weapon, injuring Wallace; Mino transported to San Antonio for emergency veterinary care |
| Investigation Status | McAllen Police Department conducting an internal investigation; no further details released pending completion |
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