SAN ANTONIO — This week, two fathers were shot by teenagers in separate confrontations while trying to protect their children, according to police.
On Wednesday at around 9 p.m., investigators say two groups of teenage girls got into an argument on the west side. When 54-year-old Gabriel Gonzales tried to break up the fight, police say the dad was fatally shot.
Thursday morning, a man searching for his daughter on the east side was allegedly shot and injured by his daughter's boyfriend.
“There are too many senseless shootings,” said Calvin Baez. “I hate to see it because these kids have unlimited potential."
Baez grew up on the west side. He says poverty was prevalent and he lost friends to gun violence.
"You are the sum of the five people you hang around,” said Baez. “So, I could figure out by seeing some of my friends where they were going; the path they were on."
Baez says he wanted a better life for himself. That's when he found the 'Advocates Youth Boxing Program.'
“I had this abundance of time, but I wanted to develop a skill,” said Baez. “I pulled up to the gym and it was just one guy in there, his name was Charlie Mata. He taught me a little bit about boxing and a lot about life.”
Mata impacted hundreds of teenagers, according to Baez.
The encouragement Baez received from his life coach was invaluable. So, when Mata passed away in 2021, Baez was determined to keep his legacy going.
Baez founded the Westside Initiative last fall. He now mentors youth through various programs, including boxing at Woodlawn Lake Park.
"[These teens] are being influenced by everything around them; what they see either physically or on social media," said Baez. "So, it's super important that we have positive influences."
To learn more about the Westside Initiative, click HERE.