Heartbreaking final act of heroic grandfather killed buying Happy Meals for his family

A Texas grandfather who was shot dead at a McDonalds while buying Happy Meals for his family made the sign of the cross on his chest before he took his last breath.

Jorge Arbaiza, 61, was caught in the crossfire of an alleged gang-related shooting and was shot five times at the fast-food restaurant before collapsing to the floor. 

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez told CBS affiliate, KHOU News, that his department was devastated to learn what Arbaiza decided to do in his final moments. 

What struck a nerve for our team and I was this: Mr. Arbaizas lasting gesture as he took his last breath was him making the sign of the cross of Jesus Christ and praying, he told the outlet. 

Arbaizas wife, Teresa, told the outlet that she spoke with him on the phone when the shooting began. 

Even though she was terrified for her husbands life, she was forced to stay in the car to look after her grandchildren, who were waiting for their Happy Meals. 

Im dying, Im going to die, Teresa said her husband told her over the phone. 

She recounted seeing a man with a gun walking into the fast food chain and people running out soon after. 

Jorge Arbaiza, 61, was killed on March 16 when he was shot at a McDonalds while purchasing Happy Meals for his grandkids, who were waiting outside in the car with his wife 

Arbaiza was a beloved grandfather and father in the Houston, Texas area before gun violence tragically took his life 

Antoine Ridge, 24, was arrested on Thursday by the Harris County Sheriffs Office and charged with murder for the death of Jorge Arbaiza 

I couldnt leave the kids alone — I could not go inside — the kids were crying, and they were scared, she added. 

The tragic shooting took place just after 5 pm on March 16 at a McDonalds in Katy, which is a suburb of Houston.

The altercation began between two groups of men which escalated from shouting to shooting, according to Harris County Sheriffs Office. 

Several children witnessed the terror but were unharmed by the gunshots. Arbaiza, who was not involved in the altercation, was the only fatality. 

An unnamed 25-year-old man was also shot but is expected to recover. Its unclear if the man was involved in the altercation.

When emergency services arrived, Arbaiza was transported by life flight to the hospital but eventually died from his gunshot wounds. 

Violent Crimes Detectives declared the case a homicide and identified the suspects vehicle from security camera footage. 

On Thursday morning, authorities arrested Antoine Ridge, 24, on murder charges. He was booked into the county jail on a $1 million bond. 

Arbaizas wife, Teresa, tearfully spoke about her husband and his last words to her to local news

Arbaizas family have set up a GoFundMe to support his wife, calling him an exceptional husband, father, brother, and grandfather in the description 

The shooting occurred at a McDonalds in Katy, Texas, which is a suburb outside of Houston on the evening of March 16 

Ridge already had a warrant out for his arrest for aggravated assault against a family member and was facing reckless driving charges.

He had also previously been arrested for burglary, two assault charges resulting in bodily injury, and fraud, according to his criminal record. 

Ridge waived his right to appear in court for a hearing on his bond, but his next court date is set for Monday. 

Meanwhile, Arbaizas family is grieving the loss of a beloved grandfather and father. His children set up a GoFundMe to help his wife, Teresa. 

Our family has been devastated and changed forever, the description of the fundraiser read.

There are no words that can do our father justice, and anyone that had the pleasure of meeting him understands why.

Authorities responded to reports of a shooting and airlifted Arbaiza to a nearby hospital, where he later died from gunshot wounds 

Local news captured the disturbing scene after the shooting that multiple customers including children witnessed 

The Texas McDonalds was temporarily shut down after the tragedy so authorities could investigate the shooting 

In a tearful interview with KHOU, Teresa said Arbaiza was crazy for his grandkids. The couple had been married for 39 years before his death. 

The Harris County Sheriffs Office along with the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team and the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force are investigating the shooting. 

There were allegedly two groups involved who left the scene in two separate cars. Authorities have said the groups were driving a maroon SUV and a white sedan. 

Dailymail.com reached out to the Harris County Sheriffs Office for an update on the case but didnt immediately hear back.