SAN ANTONIO – A South Side mother is mourning the loss of her 17-year-old daughter, Moncerrat “Monce” Maldonado, after San Antonio police say a man who was racing down Southwest Military Drive hit and killed her.
Monce was walking home after her shift at El Pollo Loco when police say she was struck by 19-year-old Vynzell Edward McGarity. The tragic incident highlights the alarming issue of street racing in urban areas, which poses a significant risk to pedestrians and drivers alike.
According to county records, McGarity is facing one charge for racing on the highway causing serious bodily injury or death. The San Antonio Police Department reported that McGarity was driving at a “high rate of speed,” racing another vehicle when he changed lanes and collided with Monce, who was crossing the street. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with reckless driving and the impact it has on communities.
Calls for Enforcement and Roadway Improvements
Following the tragic loss, District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran expressed the city’s ongoing efforts to address safety issues along Southwest Military Drive. “It comes in cycles really with the drag racing, and it just seems to be back on our side of town, and it’s very troublesome,” Viagran stated. “We’ve taken care of some of our issues on the southeast side of Military Drive with HAWK lights and putting in more traffic lights.”
In light of recent events, Monce’s mother, De la Cruz, is advocating for increased police presence and monitoring along Southwest Military Drive. “Now everything is gone,” she lamented, reflecting on the profound loss of her daughter. De la Cruz emphasized her desire to see more proactive measures taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Viagran noted that curbing racing will require collaboration across multiple groups and agencies. “More SAPD monitoring and more reports by the neighbors,” she explained. “If drag racers take off from Military Drive and they’re speeding down the road, they quickly enter into county area.” This highlights the need for a community-oriented approach to address the growing concern of street racing and improve overall roadway safety.
Moncerrat Maldonado was described by her mother as a kind soul with dreams and aspirations. “She was so kind. She was everything for us, and she had goals, she had dreams,” De la Cruz shared, reminding everyone of the potential lost with her daughter’s untimely passing. As the community mourns, the call for action to enhance safety measures on local roadways becomes ever more urgent.
