by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian
Photo: Still image taken from City of Uvalde Livestream video
(Report done watching the livestream video due to the Uvalde City Council special meeting time of 2 PM as the Uvalde Hesperian was unable to attend the meeting due to a scheduling conflict)
Detective Jessie Prado, tasked by the City of Uvalde to do an internal investigation over the actions of Uvalde Police Officers who responded to the May 24th, 2022 tragedy delivered his report at a Special City Council meeting earlier today at 2 PM. In his report delivered to family members and media outlets but with several dozen empty seats, Prado reviewed many of the City of Uvalde Police officers none of which he claimed violated department policies. Included in Prado’s report, he stated that the highest ranking City of Uvalde acting police Chief Mariano Pargas should be exonerated for his actions that day.
Prado chalked up the failures that did occur on May 24th 2023 to a number of factors including the inability of Uvalde CISD Incident Commander Pete Arredondo and others to communicate from inside the Robb classroom building to other officers outside.
Prado also stated that the City of Uvalde SWAT officer lacked the proper training and equipment to breach the classroom. Prado mentioned that his department typically trained every quarter, and said the City of Uvalde SWAT officers had not trained on breaching since before the Covid-19 pandemic.
“There were problems all day long with communications,” Prado said.
“At 11:55, Chief of Police Pete Arredodo on the southside of the hallway was on the phone with Constable Field communicating with the north side of the hallway,” Prado said.
According to Prado, the District Attorney requested no internal investigations by any agencies begin until the DPS report is complete. Texas Rangers directed police officers not write a written report in their report writing system which is not common. City Attorney Paul Tarski asked, “The Rangers also advised (officers ) not do the interviews. “Prado answered,. “Correct”
“They couldn’t get to the door. There was 8-feet the shooter could see clearly. The shooter could clearly see 8-feet before the officers could get to the door. The officers could only see a blacked out classroom through a small window in the door” Prado went on to say the shooter could shoot through the door and the walls.
Among the officers Detective Prado reviewed were: Staff Sergeant Canales, Lieutenant Javier Martinez, and Cpl. Louis Landry
“Had Lieutenant Pargas remained with the Uvalde Police Department, it would be my recommendation and my team’s recommendation to exonerate Lt. Pargas.
Prado also stated that the City of Uvalde officers including Pargas were aware of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Uvalde CISD and the City of Uvalde Police Department which stated Uvalde CISD Police Department has primary duty to investigate crimes committed by or against students on or near school property during school hours.
Prado also mentioned lack of keys by Uvalde CISD Chief of Police Arredondo and other officers exacerbated the problem of accessing the classroom.
After delivering his report, Detective Prado quickly exited the auditorium just before Mayor Cody Smith announced that the public comments portion of the meeting would begin.
Kimbery Rubio was the first to approach the podium. She said, “Where did he go? Bring him back!” ” Bring Him Back! (shouting) I don’t want to hear an explanation. Bring him back!”
The audience then erupted with shouting. It took a few moments for Detective Prado to return.
Prado returned, saying, ” I followed the directions I was given.”
“How dare you, How dare you!” You were paid by them,” Rubio said to Prado.
“I know some of you, I have worked with some of you. Before I lost Lexi, I am asking you to do what no one else has done yet.” I am asking you to do the right thing!” Rubio said.
“You said it was for their safety; not for the safety of the children,” Rubio said.
Brett Cross also spoke accompanied by student, A.J. who survived the May 24th shooting. ” I want you to look at this child. This child survived. This child was shot. He sat in their for 77 minutes while those F-ing cowards did nothing.”
Ruben Zamora spoke. “My daughter was left for dead. And you said they did the right thing? I think right now you almost make me believe these officers deserve a medal.”
Zamora on to say. You left or told him to leave…I thought it was disrespectful that you let him leave.”
Laura Garza said, “I have never ever ever towards or to Daniel Rodriguez. You are doing something wrong. You left someone in charge of this town. You left a man in charge who left.” She continued saying”How do you live with yourself knowing that?”
Pastor Daniel Meyers spoke saying, “That outbreak you saw a few minutes ago. That is people who are pushed to the brink. People that are pushed aside. Trying to get answers. Can’t get answers.”
Adam Martinez spoke saying, “Why would you have active shooter training without rifle rated shields?” ” Martinez went on saying, “How can you say they did their jobs? ” Yall need to answer if there was a cover-up. Don McLaughlin said there was a cover-up. Was there a cover-up?” Martinez asked.
”
ing, but not the shields.
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