SAN ANTONIO – A New Year’s Eve robbery attempt at a North Side convenience store left a 49-year-old clerk hospitalized after being shot, sparking concern and support from the local community.
The shooting occurred just after midnight at the EZ Mart, located in the Encino Park neighborhood.
San Antonio police said that the clerk, identified by nearby community members as Matthew, was shot while working.
Neighbors say Matthew is a well-known figure in the community and a dedicated worker, often putting in more than 60 hours a week to support his family.
Danny Panter, an Encino Park resident, expressed shock and disbelief at the violence that occurred so close to home.
“The immediate reaction is, I cannot believe it. Can you believe that someone got shot right here in our neighborhood?” Panter said. “A person from our community shot twice — that’s just very unsettling to think about.”
According to community members, Matthew, who is the sole provider for his family, was shot in the stomach and is now recovering from nerve damage that has affected his leg. While he has been moved out of intensive care, his recovery is expected to take time, and his ability to return to work is uncertain.
“Everyone knows how quickly medical bills stack up, and it doesn’t take but a handful of days for it to get into the tens of thousands of dollars or more,” Panter said. “We know the burden is going to be significant.”
In response to the crisis, neighbors have started raising funds to help cover Matthew’s medical expenses and provide support for his family as he faces a lengthy recovery.
