A simple trip to McDonald’s turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when a Houston grandfather was caught in the crossfire of a deadly shootout while picking up Happy Meals for his grandchildren.
Jorge Arbaiza, 61, had just entered the fast-food restaurant in a busy commercial area when chaos erupted. Two groups inside got into a heated altercation that quickly escalated into gunfire. Tragically, Arbaiza was struck by a stray bullet inside the restaurant.
His wife, Teresa, was waiting outside in the car with their two grandkids when she noticed people frantically running out. Concerned, she called her husband… only to hear the words no one ever wants to receive.
“‘I’m dying, I’m going to die,'” Arbaiza told her over the phone, moments after being shot. The couple had been married for 39 years.
Teresa, unable to leave the frightened children alone in the car, could do nothing but wait in horror. Emergency responders rushed Arbaiza to a nearby hospital, but despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. A 25-year-old man, involved in the initial fight, was also shot but is expected to survive.
Teresa described her husband as a devoted grandfather who would do anything for his family. “He was crazy for his grandkids,” she said.
Now, the grieving family is demanding justice. Police are actively searching for suspects who fled the scene in two vehicles… a maroon SUV and a white sedan. Investigators, along with a K-9 unit, have returned to the location to collect evidence in hopes of tracking down those responsible.
“All I want is justice,” Arbaiza’s sister-in-law Zoila Garcia said. “They need to pay for what they did… it’s so unjust.”
Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.
What should have been a routine stop at McDonald’s turned into a senseless act of violence that stole a beloved grandfather from his family. As Houston police work tirelessly to identify those involved, the community mourns a life lost too soon.
