HOUSTON – A 61-year-old grandfather was tragically killed in a shootout while trying to get McDonald’s Happy Meals for his grandchildren.
The deadly shooting happened at the McDonald’s near West Little York and North Fry Road. Investigators say two separate groups got into a fight before opening fire on each other.
During the chaos, Jorge Arbaiza was struck and fatally wounded.
Arbaiza’s wife, Teresa, was waiting in the parking lot with two of their grandchildren when she noticed people running out of the restaurant—except her husband. She immediately called him.
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“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.”
The couple was set to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary soon, but now Teresa is planning his funeral.
Arbaiza’s sister-in-law, Zoila Garcia, described him as a devoted grandfather who always made sure his grandchildren had everything they needed.
“He was the best grandfather,” Garcia said. “He would give everything the kids wanted.”
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office says the individuals involved in the fight were between 16 and 21 years old. One person from the altercation was also shot but is in stable condition at the hospital.
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Authorities are searching for those responsible. Investigators have located a vehicle they believe was used by some of the suspects, but no arrests have been made.
Teresa Arbaiza has a message for the shooters: “If they have beef between them, please don’t resolve it with gun violence when there are innocent people around.”
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.