SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio police have acknowledged a troubling trend of street racing along Southwest Military Drive, exacerbated by a recent tragic incident that led to the death of a 17-year-old girl. This incident has amplified community concerns about road safety in the area.
Residents like Jesse Espitia are advocating for urgent safety measures following the loss of his sister, Jeanette, who was killed while crossing Southeast Military Drive in August 2025. Eyewitness reports indicated that the driver involved was speeding, highlighting a persistent problem of reckless driving in the vicinity.
“It’s the speeding, the racing,” Espitia stated. “It’s a huge issue, just people speeding.” His advocacy is fueled by the responsibility he now bears for Jeanette’s three children, prompting him to push for better road safety initiatives along both Southeast and Southwest Military Drives.
Local residents have echoed Espitia’s concerns. Rhonda G., a San Antonio resident, shared that pedestrians often struggle to cross busy intersections, even when signals indicate it is safe to do so. “It takes a long time to cross even when it says for a pedestrian to go,” she noted, emphasizing the danger posed by speeding vehicles.
The alarming trend continues, as evidenced by the tragic death of Moncerrat Martinez Maldonando, also 17, who was killed on June 28 when a driver, reportedly racing, struck her on Southwest Military Drive. The driver, identified as 19-year-old Vynzell McGarity, was subsequently charged with reckless driving. This incident has intensified community fears and calls for action.
San Antonio police have responded to at least four racing-related crashes on Southwest Military Drive in 2023 alone, with varying descriptions complicating the tracking of these incidents. According to police reports, two of these incidents resulted in injuries, while three resulted in fatalities, highlighting the grave consequences of unchecked street racing.
Espitia’s hope for increased crosswalks and reduced speeds is shared by many in the community. “It’s for the safety of pedestrians,” he said, underscoring the urgent need for measures that can prevent further tragedies.
In response to community concerns, the San Antonio Police Department is increasing patrols along Southwest Military Drive, recognizing the urgent need to address the dangerous street racing culture that has taken root in the area.
