Uvalde, Texas – Former Uvalde School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo faces charges in connection with the investigation into the tragic 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. According to court records, Arredondo has been indicted on 10 counts of abandoning and endangering a child in relation to 10 survivors of the Robb Elementary shooting.
Arredondo was taken into custody and later released on bail after being booked at the Uvalde County jail, stated Sheriff Ruben Nolasco. The former police chief’s attorney, George Hyde, declined to comment when reached by media outlets.
Reports also indicate that another individual, former Uvalde School District police officer Adrian Gonzales, has been charged in connection with the same incident. The exact details of the charges against Gonzales have not been independently verified.
The indictment alleges that Arredondo mishandled the response to the shooting by failing to act as an active shooter situation, opting to negotiate with the perpetrator instead. Furthermore, he is accused of not following proper protocols and failing to make critical decisions during the incident.
Following the tragic events at Robb Elementary, Arredondo was terminated from his position as police chief. The shooting at the school resulted in the loss of 19 students and 2 teachers on May 24, 2022.
Family members of the victims have expressed mixed feelings about the indictments. While some feel that holding the individuals accountable is a step towards justice, others believe that more should be done to ensure all responsible parties face consequences.
The Justice Department previously released a damning report highlighting substantial failures in the handling of the shooting, emphasizing the need for improved protocols and procedures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Authorities in Uvalde District continue to investigate the law enforcement failures surrounding the incident, with District Attorney Christina Mitchell leading the criminal investigation. The community continues to mourn the lives lost, offering condolences to all those affected by the heartbreaking events at Robb Elementary School.