A man has been charged with murder in connection to a deadly shootout at a McDonald’s in west Harris County that claimed the life of a grandfather.
Antoine Leandre Ridge is accused of fatally shooting 61-year-old Jorge Rolando Arbaiza during a gang fight inside the fast food restaurant near West Little York and North Fry Road on March 16.
Authorities say 24-year-old Ridge fired a gun during the altercation, killing Arbaiza, an innocent bystander who was picking up Happy Meals for his grandchildren.
According to court records, Ridge also has a pending warrant for an aggravated assault charge in Harris County. In that case, he allegedly displayed a firearm while threatening a person he was in a dating relationship with.
Arbaiza’s wife, Teresa told KPRC 2′s Rilwan Balogun she was waiting in the parking lot with two of their grandchildren when the shooting occurred. She recalled calling her husband in a panic and hearing him say, “I’m dying,” before the line went silent. The couple had been married for nearly 40 years and were preparing to celebrate their anniversary.
RELATED: ‘Senseless:’ At least 1 killed after fight turns into shooting at W. Harris County McDonald’s
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office previously reported that the individuals involved in the fight were between 16 and 21 years old. One other person was shot during the incident but survived.
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