UVALDE, Texas — In a significant development in the aftermath of the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, two former school police officials have been indicted on multiple counts of child endangerment. The grand jury returned indictments against Pete Arredondo, the former school police chief, and Adrian Gonzalez, a former school police officer. Both individuals are facing 19 counts of child endangerment, one for each of the students who lost their lives in the devastating incident.
The shooting, which occurred on May 24, 2022, claimed the lives of two teachers and 19 students. The response of the Uvalde Police Department has faced severe criticism, as it took them a staggering 77 minutes to confront the shooter. Arredondo, during the investigation, stated that he had assumed the students in the room with the suspect were already deceased. Tragically, three victims were initially rescued from the classroom but succumbed to their injuries later.
Uvalde County Sheriff Ruben Nolasco has confirmed that Arredondo is currently in custody at the Uvalde County Jail. However, Gonzalez is not in custody at this time.
The indictments against Arredondo and Gonzalez mark a significant step forward in seeking justice for the victims and their families. The charges of child endangerment reflect the alleged failure of the former school police officials to adequately protect the students under their care during the shooting incident.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community of Uvalde continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event. The indictments serve as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and security of students in educational institutions.
