Byron Policeman Indicted for Officer-Involved Shooting, Remains Employed

Officer Craig Richards Faces Charges of Reckless Homicide

A Byron policeman was indicted by a grand jury on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, on one count of reckless homicide in connection with the shooting death of a 23-year-old man during an attempted arrest last year.

Byron Officer Craig Richards, 37, was responding to a call about a domestic disturbance on July 16, 2022, when he encountered Antonio Arreola in the parking lot of an apartment complex. Richards attempted to arrest Arreola, but Arreola resisted and fled on foot. Richards gave chase and fired his gun, striking Arreola in the back.

Arreola's Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Arreola was pronounced dead at the scene. The indictment alleges that Richards acted recklessly by firing his gun at Arreola when Arreola was not posing an imminent threat to Richards or others.

Arreola's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Richards and the city of Byron. The lawsuit alleges that Richards used excessive force and that the city failed to properly train and supervise its officers.

Richards Remains on Active Duty

Despite the indictment, Richards remains employed by the Byron Police Department. He is currently assigned to administrative duties while the criminal case against him is pending.

The Byron Police Department has declined to comment on the indictment. The city of Byron has also declined to comment on the wrongful death lawsuit.

Conclusion

The indictment of Byron policeman Craig Richards on reckless homicide charges is a significant development in the case of Antonio Arreola's death. The indictment alleges that Richards acted recklessly by firing his gun at Arreola when Arreola was not posing an imminent threat to Richards or others.

The criminal case against Richards is ongoing. The wrongful death lawsuit filed by Arreola's family is also ongoing.