KATY, TX – A 24-year-old man accused of opening fire inside a McDonald’s in the Katy area is set to face a judge for the first time. The incident, which unfolded last Sunday on Fry Road, tragically claimed the life of a 61-year-old bystander uninvolved in the altercation.
Antonio Ridge, the suspect, was apprehended yesterday and charged with murder. His court appearance, initially scheduled for the early morning docket, has been delayed, a common occurrence in probable cause court. According to court records, Ridge has a history of legal troubles, including a pending warrant for aggravated assault on a family member and a reckless driving case from the previous year, for which he failed to appear in court.
Further complicating his legal situation, Ridge faces multiple charges in Florida dating back to 2024, including document alteration, petty theft, and conspiracy. The shooting incident at McDonald’s was reportedly sparked by a confrontation between two groups of young people.
Security footage from inside the fast-food restaurant captures the chaotic scene. One group was seen ordering food when a second group entered, and what began as a verbal clash quickly escalated into gunfire.
An investigator familiar with the case described the scene as brief and chaotic, noting the rapid escalation once weapons were drawn. The swift exchange of gunfire highlights the unpredictable nature of such violent encounters.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, Ridge’s legal proceedings will commence with prosecutors seeking a $1 million bond, according to court documents. The case has drawn significant attention, given the tragic loss of an innocent life and the public setting of the crime.
Authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the shooting, while the community mourns the senseless violence that shattered their sense of security. Ridge’s court appearance is a pivotal moment in the judicial process, as the legal system begins to address the ramifications of the incident.