SAN ANTONIO – What began as a routine afternoon walk for Irma Hernandez quickly escalated into a terrifying ordeal. While strolling through Friesenhahn Park on the North Side of San Antonio, she was approached by two men who initiated an unexpected and violent attack.
Hernandez, familiar with the trails she frequents, found herself in a precarious situation. “Before I realized what was happening, they pushed me, took off my glasses, and began striking me,” she recounted.
Equipped with a 15-pound weight vest for her exercise routine, Hernandez bravely fought back against her attackers. “I was trying to defend myself while wearing a vest,” she explained, emphasizing her determination to resist.
The assailants demanded money from her, and in the chaos, they also stole her car keys, driving off with her vehicle. “I couldn’t believe it. I thought, ‘If I’m going to die right now, I’m going to die fighting back,'” Hernandez shared, reflecting on the gravity of the moment.
During the struggle, Hernandez suffered a fracture near her elbow, a reminder of the violent encounter. Fortunately, law enforcement was able to utilize a locator app to track her stolen vehicle, recovering it at an apartment complex shortly after the incident.
Beyond the physical injuries, Hernandez described the emotional toll of the attack. What was once a place of tranquility for her has now become a source of distress. “This was my peace, and they ruined it,” she lamented.
In light of her harrowing experience, Hernandez hopes to inspire others to remain vigilant. “Just be aware of your surroundings,” she advised, reminding everyone that even familiar places can become unsafe.
While she never anticipated such an event would happen to her, Hernandez’s story serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of personal safety, encouraging others to learn from her experience.
