A couple from North Texas is recovering after a violent incident at a Dallas Cowboys game, and they want to share their experience to raise awareness.
The Gonzalez family attended their first Cowboys game on September 22 at AT&T Stadium, fulfilling a dream for longtime fan Wenceslao Gonzalez. “I never thought I’d be able to attend a game,” he expressed. “It was very special for my wife and daughter to do that for me.”
They received the tickets as a birthday gift, but their celebration took a shocking turn when they noticed a man yelling at a young woman. “She was sobbing and looked terrified, similar in age to my daughter,” said Lindsey Gonzalez, Wenceslao’s wife.
Feeling compelled to help, Lindsey intervened, but the man then turned his aggression towards them. “He was already in my husband’s face and had hit him,” she recalled. “I tried to separate them, and then I don’t remember anything until I woke up in the hospital.” The attacker also punched Lindsey, leaving her unconscious. Witnesses, including her daughter, saw him kick her in the face while she was down, according to Arlington police.
Lindsey suffered severe injuries, including 12 fractures in her face, and underwent surgery that required four metal plates to repair the damage. Doctors are uncertain if she will ever regain her previous appearance. Meanwhile, Wenceslao had surgery to address torn ligaments in his leg.
“Never imagined something like this could happen,” Lindsey said, shaken. Arlington police arrested 32-year-old Rafael Ramirez that night, charging him with two counts of assault causing bodily injury.
“I don’t wish harm on anyone, but I want him to face justice,” Lindsey stated, highlighting the dramatic impact this event has had on their lives. The couple’s five children are their source of strength, and they hope that their experience serves as a warning for the woman they tried to assist.
“If I saved her, then it was worth it,” Lindsey said. “If sharing my story helps even one person, it’s worth it.” Emma Hernandez, who was at the game with her parents and also tried to intervene, echoed this sentiment, noting the potential dangers of speaking up in such situations.
However, the incident has made them wary of intervening again. Wenceslao remarked, “It’s good to try to be a good Samaritan, but you have to think about the risks involved.”
The family is also grappling with the lack of police presence at the busy intersection as crowds exited the game. “It was frustrating that there wasn’t more security to handle such situations,” Emma noted.
In response to the incident, CBS News Texas reached out to the Dallas Cowboys regarding their security measures. The team stated that all events at AT&T Stadium are staffed adequately with security and law enforcement to ensure guest safety.
Despite this, the Gonzalez family has decided that this will be their last Cowboys game. “I never want to go back there,” Lindsey said firmly.
Both Lindsey and Wenceslao have been unable to work since the attack, but they are thankful for the support they’ve received from their community during this challenging time.
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