Constable David Valdez gives a statement on his actions at Robb School Tragedy. Offers apology for slow response

by Michael Robinson  |Uvalde Hesperian

  Constable David Valdez spoke to the Uvalde County Commissioners Monday morning, February 26th recounting his actions and response to May 24th, 2022 Robb School tragedy and apologized for the slow police response to the situation. Berlida Arreola, Brett Cross and several other Robb Victim’s family members were in attendance at the meeting. Valdez who was at the Commissioners Court to speak on an agenda item involving Consider racial profiling reports filed by Uvalde County constables, spoke off topic addressing the Robb School tragedy as well as informing the Commissioners he and other Uvalde County Constables do not have the resources they need to effectively do their jobs.  

  Uvalde County Judge Bill Mitchell said, “This is a racial profiling report. What you are asking will be addressed in the budget. Come back during the budget process.”

“There are no words I can say.” I want to set the record straight. I was there that day. I showed up on the scene and asked one of the p.d. officers…shooter. He asked me to set up a perimeter which I did.”Valdez said. 

 Valdez continued saying he also followed an ambulance with an injured victim to Uvalde Memorial Hospital and assisted an EMT medic with the victim lying on a stretcher. 

He continued saying he has somebody take me from the hospital back to the school.  A call went out saying there was a shooter at Morales Junior High. “I went there to see what was going on,” Valdez said. 

 Valdez said, ” It’s been very difficult for me to serve in this capacity. It hasn’t been the same for me. “It’s a small town and a lifetime Uvaldean.” He went on to say, “I apologize for the slow response. I know that for this City to heal someone has to take responsibility. That is what they are asking for. If the parents, if any of the parents ask me to resign, I’ll resign.” he said. 

 When I ran the first time, there was a place for the Constables. Whenever we have to pay insurance, the liability falls on us.”

“Make no mistake about it, I’m here for the people and I’m asking the Commissioners Court to give us the resources we need,” Valdez. 

“Whenever something happens out there, we go from part time to full time real quick. We’re left with full time liability. he said.