Incident Overview

On March 16, a shooting incident at a McDonald’s in Katy, Texas, tragically resulted in the death of 61-year-old Jorge Arbaiza. While purchasing Happy Meals for his grandchildren, Arbaiza was inadvertently caught in the crossfire.

Details of the Shooting

According to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzales, the altercation involved two groups who engaged in a “disturbance” inside the busy restaurant, which was filled with families, including young children and elderly patrons.

As gunfire erupted, Arbaiza was struck, and despite being airlifted to a local hospital by Life Flight, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. His wife and grandchildren were waiting in the car outside when the incident occurred.

Arrest and Investigation

A suspect, reported to be 24 years old, has been arrested and charged with murder following the incident. The sheriff’s office is continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to the altercation.

Community Reaction and Sheriff’s Statement

The shocking nature of the event has left the community reeling. Sheriff Gonzales noted that Mr. Arbaiza’s last actions included making the sign of the cross and praying, a poignant moment that resonated with law enforcement officials. “What struck a nerve for our team and I was this; Mr. Arbaiza’s lasting gesture as he took his last breath was him making the sign of the cross of Jesus Christ and praying. May he Rest in Peace,” Gonzales remarked.

Weapon Details

During the investigation, authorities discovered that one of the firearms used in the incident was modified with a “glock switch,” enabling it to function as an automatic weapon instead of a semi-automatic firearm. This detail raises concerns about the availability and use of such modifications in criminal activities.