In the wake of two grisly discoveries on separate trails in San Antonio, the community is on edge and local authorities are enhancing safety measures. According to KSAT, the body of Stacey Dramiga, 63, was discovered on Sept. 23 with the cause of death identified as blunt force trauma to her head. Subsequently, a man was arrested in connection with her death. Not two weeks after, another body was encountered by a San Antonio Park police officer on a North Side trail, prompting suspicions of foul play in this case as well.
Local hikers and residents have expressed their fear, noting an uptick in the presence of park police on the trails. Lieutenant Juan De La Pena, the commander of the park police's ATV section, outlined in a ride-along with KSAT the strategies employed to keep the parks secure: "We do what’s called crime mapping. Find out what areas are kind of hotspots for what type of activity." In these efforts, they seek out anything atypical, from unattended encampments to unexpected fires, aiming to stymie potential threats.
Meanwhile, as reported by San Antonio Report, San Antonio’s Parks and Recreation department plans to install additional emergency call towers along city trails, enhancing the resources available to trail-goers. Officials continue to emphasize the safety of these public spaces despite the recent incidents and are doubling down on the importance of personal safety and awareness.
To fortify this sentiment, Sheriff Javier Salazar reassured the public, saying, "the greenway trails are absolutely safe." Additional advice from SAPD public information officer Ximena Alvarez includes traveling in pairs or groups, sticking to paved trails, acquaintance with the trail markers, and adhering to trail curfews which indicate being off the trail 30 minutes after sunrise and at least 30 minutes before sunset. The ATV/Bike Patrol Unit and a bevy of trail stewards further contribute to the presence of a watchful community on the trails. For emergencies, local residents are urged to reach out at non-emergency number 210-207-7273 or dial 9-1-1 for immediate assistance, as mentioned by San Antonio Report.
Adding to these efforts, a meeting to promote safety awareness on local trails has been scheduled for October 20 at Comanche Park. Officer Juan de La Pena will provide safety and awareness tips and will be open to questions from the public as disclosed by San Antonio Report. The two incidents have catalyzed these precautionary measures, reminding all those who venture onto San Antonio’s trails to remain vigilant, knowledgeable, and prepared.
