Texas City Jury Clears Officer in Fatal Accident Involving Senior Citizen

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The recent decision by a Galveston County grand jury not to pursue criminal charges against Texas City police officer Joseph Waggoner has left the Arness family in a state of profound disappointment and simmering anger.

This unfortunate turn of events follows a fatal incident in which Officer Waggoner’s actions led to the death of George Arness, a 72-year-old man, and injuries to his daughter.

The heart-wrenching crash unfolded as Officer Waggoner collided with Mr. Arness’s vehicle while failing to activate his emergency lights and sirens, a critical protocol when responding to emergencies. This stark deviation from standard procedure compounded the tragedy.

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A Shattered Hope for Justice: The Arness Family’s Struggle

texas-city-jury-clears-officer-in-fatal-accident-involving-senior-citizen
The recent decision by a Galveston County grand jury not to pursue criminal charges against Texas City police officer Joseph Waggoner has left the Arness family in a state of profound disappointment and simmering anger.

 

For the Arness family, the grand jury’s decision not to indict Officer Waggoner has been a devastating blow. They had harbored genuine hopes for a measure of justice and accountability in the aftermath of their beloved father’s untimely death.

However, a lingering sense of injustice has gripped them, as they perceive that their father’s “average Joe” status may have played a role in the absence of accountability. This troubling perception underscores the challenges of achieving fairness and impartiality within the legal system.

Adding to their frustration, Officer Waggoner remains on administrative duties within the Texas City Police Department. This perceived lack of consequence for his actions stands in stark contrast to the enduring pain and loss experienced by the Arness family. 

Compounding their distress is the city of Texas City’s apparent indifference. To date, the family has not received any form of apology or support from the city, leaving them to grapple with their grief and the financial burden of their father’s funeral expenses, which they have had to address through a GoFundMe campaign.

This stark disparity between the family’s suffering and the lack of acknowledgment or support from the authorities has further deepened their sense of isolation and disillusionment.

In response to the grand jury’s decision, Galveston County Criminal District Attorney Jack Roady released a statement acknowledging the extensive presentation of evidence and testimonies made to the grand jury by his office.

Despite their thorough efforts, the grand jury ultimately declined to indict Officer Waggoner. This official acknowledgment serves as a final, bitter reminder to the Arness family of the obstacles they faced in seeking accountability for the loss of their beloved father and the injuries inflicted upon their family.

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Source: ABC13

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