Former Uvalde School Police Chief Arrested 2 Years After Robb Elementary School Shooting

UVALDE, Texas - Pete Arredondo, the former police chief of the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District, was arrested on Thursday, more than two years after the tragic 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting. According to Uvalde County Sheriff Ruben Nolasco, Arredondo faces 10 counts of child endangerment and was booked into the Uvalde County Jail. He was subsequently released after posting ten $10,000 bonds, one for each count.

 A grand jury indictment also includes another officer who responded to the Uvalde shooting, as reported by CBS News.

Jesse Rizo, uncle of Jackie Cazares, a victim of the shooting, expressed mixed emotions, saying, "[It's] very emotional. I knew the day was going to come. I wasn't sure how long it would take."

In response to the developments, Uvalde CISD stated to CBS News on Thursday evening, "As we have done and continue to do, we extend our sincerest sympathies to all who lost loved ones. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this challenging situation."

The indictment alleges that Arredondo failed to appropriately respond to the shooting, including issues such as failing to order an evacuation of the affected school wing and neglecting to ascertain if classroom doors were locked. It also accuses him of not promptly delivering children to emergency care providers.

Rizo viewed Arredondo's arrest as a step forward, expressing hope for further indictments. "It's obvious what he did was wrong. It's obvious that he could've saved a lot of lives, but sitting there and looking for keys on a keychain for a long time. It's just unacceptable," Rizo remarked. "I'm surprised that a lot of other officers weren't charged. I'm disappointed in that but I am happy to see that there is finally judgment coming."

The aftermath of the shooting has been fraught with criticism of law enforcement's handling, with a January report from the Justice Department highlighting significant failures in the response. Additionally, in May, family members of the victims reached a $2 million settlement with Uvalde, with the city agreeing to pay the families of those killed and injured in the shooting.

Uvalde, Texas, continues to grapple with the repercussions of the tragic events at Robb Elementary, with ongoing legal and emotional ramifications affecting the community.

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