A 61-year-old grandfather tragically lost his life in a shootout while attempting to purchase McDonald’s Happy Meals for his grandchildren.
The tragic shooting took place at the McDonald’s near West Little York and North Fry Road. Authorities have revealed that two distinct groups engaged in a confrontation that escalated into gunfire between them.
In the midst of the commotion, Jorge Arbaiza was hit and tragically killed.
Arbaiza’s wife, Teresa, stood in the parking lot with two of their grandchildren. She watched as people started running out of the restaurant, but her husband was nowhere to be seen. Concerned, she quickly dialed his number.
“He answered and said he was dying,” Teresa recalled. “That’s the only thing he was able to tell me. I wasn’t able to see him. I couldn’t even go inside to see him.”
Teresa is now planning her husband’s funeral, as they were about to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.
Arbaiza’s sister-in-law, Zoila Garcia, lovingly portrayed him as a dedicated grandfather who consistently ensured that his grandchildren had everything they required.
“He was the best grandfather,” Garcia said. “He would give everything the kids wanted.”
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the persons participating in the fight ranged in age from 16 to 21. One guy was shot during the altercation but is in stable condition in the hospital.
Authorities are looking for those responsible. Investigators have recovered a vehicle that they believe was driven by several of the suspects, but no arrests have been made.
Teresa Arbaiza has a message for the shooters: “If they have a disagreement, please do not settle it with gun violence when there are innocent people present.”
The investigation is underway. Anyone with information should call the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.