A normal school morning in Texas turned into a nightmare after a 10-year-old girl was shot during a road rage incident while riding in her family’s car. The child is now fighting for her life, and the case has shaken the local community.
What Happened in San Antonio
According to the San Antonio Police Department, the shooting happened on Friday, Jan. 30, as the family was driving to school. The girl, Alisa Gates, was sitting in the back seat when a bullet came through the side of the vehicle.
Police say the suspect, Bryan Arceo, became aggressive after another driver honked at him. Investigators allege he backed out of a driveway in anger, then fired a gun toward the family’s car, striking Alisa before speeding away. Two adults inside the vehicle were not injured.
Alisa was rushed to the hospital with life‑threatening injuries, where doctors worked to stabilise her.
Parents Realise Their Daughter Was Shot
Alisa’s father, Jason Gates, described the terrifying moments after the gunfire. He told local media that he and his wife first noticed the smell of gunpowder inside their van.
“My wife looks at my daughter and says, ‘Hey, did you get shot?’” Jason recalled. At first, Alisa said no. But when Jason opened the back door, he realised she had been hit.
The parents tried to rush her to the hospital but pulled into a nearby parking lot to call for emergency help when they saw how serious the injury was.
Quick Thinking Helps Identify the Suspect
As they were desperately seeking help, the family briefly spotted the same vehicle that had fired at them. Jason said they immediately:
- Recorded the licence plate
- Took note of the driver’s description
This information helped police launch a fast, multi‑unit search for the suspect.
Arrest and Serious Charges
Police later arrested Bryan Arceo, who was taken to the Bexar County Adult Detention Center. He now faces:
- Three counts of aggravated assault
- One count of endangering a child
Court documents say Arceo had his ex‑wife and a child in the vehicle at the time of the shooting. His ex‑wife reportedly told investigators she heard a gunshot and saw him point the weapon at the family’s van before firing.
A Long Road to Healing
After surgery, Jason shared that Alisa is “doing great” in her recovery, which brought some relief to the family. Still, the emotional scars remain.
Jason said the family no longer wants the van, which still has a bullet hole in it—a painful reminder of what happened.
