Austin, Texas – Former Uvalde school police Chief Pete Arredondo and former officer Adrian Gonzales have been indicted for their actions during the response to the shooting at Robb Elementary School in 2022. Reports from local news outlets revealed that a grand jury charged the two individuals with multiple counts of felony child endangerment and abandonment.
According to sources, Arredondo is expected to surrender on Thursday as confirmed by the sheriff’s office. The details of the indictments have not been made public by the Uvalde County District Court clerk’s office yet. District Attorney Christina Mitchell verified the indictment, as reported by various news sources.
The Austin American-Statesman reported that two additional former officers were also implicated in the indictment, although their identities have not been disclosed. This development comes after the U.S. Justice Department released a report earlier this year highlighting the response to the tragic shooting that resulted in 21 fatalities.
The shooting at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022, claimed the lives of 19 students and two teachers. The response time of law enforcement has been subject to scrutiny, with reports indicating that it took approximately 77 minutes for the gunman to be stopped. Surveillance footage showed a large number of officers waiting in the hallway as the shooting unfolded, raising questions about their handling of the situation.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion about the preparedness and response of law enforcement agencies in handling such emergencies. The indictment of the former school police chief and officer sheds light on the accountability of officials in ensuring the safety of students and faculty in schools.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community remains vigilant in seeking justice and answers surrounding the events that transpired at Robb Elementary School. The indictment serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough investigations and transparency in holding individuals responsible for their actions during critical incidents.