SAN ANTONIO – Stop the violence or face the consequences — that’s the message that was delivered to some of the East Side’s most violent criminals by the city’s top officials.
City officials delivered the warning but are also offering to help people find a way out.
“You already know the consequences of your actions, right? I mean everything has consequences,” San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said.
“This is my second chance, and I can't blow it because the state ain’t playing anymore. The city of San Antonio isn't playing anymore,” said Travon Bonner, who is one of many violent criminals at Group Violence Intervention.
Bonner has been arrested and charged multiple times. His charges include assault, burglary of a building, drug possession and burglary of a vehicle.
“It was a dark time for me, honestly. It was something different that I was kind of into, but I realize it wasn't for me because it's not the life for me," Bonner said.
The program is meant to connect convicts to resources and agencies that can help with education, housing and employment.
“The message, bottom line, is the violence needs to stop,” said William Miles, Group Violence Intervention program coordinator.
If convicts don’t learn from the program, their other option is a jail cell.
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