A simple errand to buy Happy Meals for his grandchildren ended in tragedy for a 61-year-old Houston grandfather. Jorge Arbaiza was killed when a shootout erupted at a McDonald’s in Texas, caught in the crossfire of a fight that had nothing to do with him. His family is now left grieving a man they describe as endlessly devoted to the youngest members of the family.
A fight turns violent
The shooting happened at the McDonald’s near West Little York and North Fry Road in Houston on a Monday. Investigators say two separate groups got into an argument at the restaurant and then began firing at each other.
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the people involved in the fight were between 16 and 21 years old. One of them was also shot, but is reported to be in stable condition in hospital. Jorge was struck during the chaos and fatally wounded.
It was not immediately clear whether the gunfire took place inside or outside the building. Either way, a bullet hit Jorge while he waited for the children’s meals.
A phone call from the parking lot
His wife, Teresa Arbaiza, was outside in the parking lot with two of their grandchildren. She noticed people rushing out of the restaurant, but her husband was not among them. She called him straight away.
"He answered and said he was dying," Teresa told Click2Houston. "That’s the only thing he was able to tell me." She was not able to see him, and could not even go inside to reach him.
The couple had been preparing to mark their 40th wedding anniversary soon. Instead, Teresa says, she is now having to plan her husband’s funeral.
Remembered as a devoted grandfather
Jorge’s sister-in-law, Zoila Garcia, also spoke to the local station about the man the family has lost. "He was the best grandfather," she said. "He would give everything the kids wanted."
That was exactly what he was doing on Monday, when he went inside to pick up the meals his grandchildren had asked for.
The search for the suspects
No one has been arrested so far. Investigators have reportedly found a vehicle they believe the suspects used, and officers are working to track down those responsible.
Footage from the scene shows the restaurant’s windows boarded up in the aftermath. Some officers went looking for the suspects, while others examined the inside of the McDonald’s. Authorities have said other details about the shooting were not immediately available.
Teresa had a direct message for the people who opened fire. "If they have beef between them, please don’t resolve it with gun violence when there are innocent people around," she said.
Where things stand
The investigation is still ongoing. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Meanwhile, a family that was looking forward to celebrating four decades of marriage is preparing to say goodbye to a husband and grandfather who was only trying to treat the children.
Image credit: KPRC 2 Click2Houston
Source: Daily Express US
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