Pete Arredondo, the former chief of the school district police in Uvalde, Texas, has been indicted and arrested for his actions during the 2022 school shooting that claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers. The Uvalde County sheriff, Ruben Nolasco, confirmed that Mr. Arredondo is currently in custody on the charge of “abandoning/endangering of a child.”
The indictment, which comes more than two years after the tragic event at Robb Elementary School, points to failures in the police response that go beyond simple poor decision-making. Mr. Arredondo, who was in charge of the six-person police department responsible for Uvalde schools, is being held criminally responsible for his actions on that fateful day.
Various investigations, including those by the U.S. Justice Department, a Texas Legislature committee, and an independent investigator hired by the city of Uvalde, had already highlighted serious flaws in the actions of the officers who responded to the shooting. District Attorney Christina Mitchell conducted her own investigation and presented evidence to the grand jury, leading to the indictment of Mr. Arredondo.
On the day of the shooting, Mr. Arredondo was one of the first officers to arrive at the scene. He, along with other school district officers and local Police Department members, moved towards the source of the gunfire, only to retreat when the gunman started shooting at them near the connected classrooms. Mr. Arredondo had left his radio in his car as he rushed into the school, later claiming that he did not believe he was in charge and that he focused on evacuating other parts of the building to save more lives.
The indictment of Mr. Arredondo sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement officers during active shooter situations. It underscores the importance of proper training, communication, and coordination in such high-pressure scenarios to ensure the safety and security of students and staff.
As this story continues to develop, further updates and information will be provided. The indictment of the former police chief serves as a reminder of the tragic events that unfolded at Robb Elementary School and the ongoing efforts to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.