Web Desk
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – The man accused of fatally shooting a grandfather at a McDonald’s in Katy was on probation and should have been behind bars at the time of the crime, according to Houston Crime Stoppers.
Jorge Arbaiza, 61, was an innocent bystander when he was shot at a McDonald’s on North Fry Road at West Little York.
Court records reveal that the suspect, identified as Ridge, had a long criminal history in both Harris County and Florida, raising concerns about missed opportunities to prevent future violence.
In 2019, Ridge was sentenced to two years of probation instead of prison. Crime experts argue this was the first critical lapse in the justice system.
“He completely failed probation. He didn’t follow anything,” said Andy Kahan of Crime Stoppers of Houston.
Despite multiple probation violations, Ridge was given an unsatisfactory termination rather than being incarcerated.
This decision has sparked concerns about how Harris County’s justice system handles repeat offenders.
In 2023, Ridge was charged with aggravated assault of a family member with a deadly weapon in Texas. However, he remained a fugitive for months.
“He had been wanted since mid-2023,” Kahan said. “He was on the run for a violent felony.”
In 2024, Ridge was convicted of two felonies and a misdemeanor in Florida but was again sentenced to probation.
This placed him on probation in Florida while he remained a fugitive in Texas, highlighting potential failures in tracking offenders across state lines.
“Did Harris County officials know he was on probation in Florida? Whatever the reason, nothing was done,” Kahan added.
The fatal shooting occurred on March 16 when Arbaiza entered McDonald’s to buy Happy Meals for his three grandchildren.
Authorities say Ridge was firing shots during a gang-related altercation when Arbaiza was struck multiple times.
“There were multiple moments where the system and individuals should have worked harder to hold him accountable,” said Jorge Arbaiza Jr., the victim’s son.
Law enforcement is continuing its investigation as the Arbaiza family seeks justice for their loved one, who was caught in gun violence while simply trying to purchase food for his grandchildren.
