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Left inset: Jorge Arbaiza; background: McDonald’s where he was fatally shot (KHOU). Right inset: Antoine Ridge (Harris County Sheriff’s Office).
Jorge Arbaiza, a 61-year-old grandfather from Texas, was tragically killed when he inadvertently found himself in the middle of a dispute between two groups at a McDonald’s while trying to pick up Happy Meals for his grandchildren. The authorities in Harris County, along with his wife, confirmed that he was struck by a bullet during the altercation.
His wife, Teresa Arbaiza, was present in the car with their two grandchildren and contacted Jorge when she noticed an armed individual, heard gunshots, and saw people frantically fleeing the restaurant for safety. She was unable to enter the establishment as she couldn’t leave the frightened children alone inside.
“I’m dying. I’m going to die’” he reportedly said in his final words to her on March 16. His wife said he had been shot five times.
Arbaiza’s final act was to make the sign of the cross and pray as he died, authorities said.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez expressed his deep empathy for the situation, highlighting the poignant moment when Jorge Arbaiza, in his final moments, made the sign of the cross and uttered a prayer. He offered his condolences and wished for peace for the departed soul.
Gonzalez announced Thursday that Antoine Ridge, 24, was arrested for murder.
Another person was reportedly struck in the incident but survived.
To make matters worse, one of the shooters was using a Glock handgun equipped with a “Glock Switch,” that allowed the weapon to be an automatic instead of semi-automatic. Multiple
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— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) March 20, 2025
At the time of the shooting, Ridge also faced warrants for aggravated assault of a family member with a deadly weapon, and reckless driving. He is held on a $1 million bond. Authorities vaguely described the shooting as gang-related.
They ask that anyone with information call the sheriff’s office or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477). One of the groups involved in the shooting was in a maroon SUV, and the other was in a white sedan, though authorities said they managed to track down one of the vehicles.
“He was crazy for his grandkids,” Teresa reportedly said of her husband, Jorge.
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