A furious road rager shot a 10-year-old girl en route to school in San Antonio, Texas, simply because her mother honked at his reckless driving—highlighting the deadly dangers of unchecked rage amid Texas’s permitless carry laws.

Incident Unfolds in San Antonio Suburbs

Bryan Arceo backed aggressively out of a driveway near Timberhill Drive and Wurzbach Drive on San Antonio’s Northwest Side.

The victim’s mother honked for no more than three seconds as all drivers headed to school drop-offs. Arceo pulled alongside the family’s minivan at a red light and fired a 9mm handgun, striking the 10-year-old girl in the torso. She initially denied being shot amid the chaos.

The family drove toward a hospital after the shooting. Arceo reappeared on the road, prompting them to pull over near the intersection of Bandera Road and Althea Drive to call the police. A bullet hole remained in the minivan, which the family now plans to discard due to trauma. The San Antonio Police Department responded swiftly, launching an investigation in this high-traffic suburban area plagued by congestion.

Suspect’s Companions Witness Deadly Rage

Arceo’s ex-wife and young daughter rode in his vehicle during the incident. The ex-wife told police she saw Arceo rack the slide on his gun, aim at the minivan, then look away before hearing a “pop.” Affidavits describe Arceo fuming over the honk, escalating a minor traffic dispute into gunfire. His daughter endured the traumatic event, underscoring risks to innocent children on both sides. Police arrested Arceo several hours later near Teton Ridge and Raintree Forest on the Far North Side.

Jason Gates, the victim’s father, spoke to KSAT about the horror: his wife honked briefly, yet Arceo unleashed violence. The girl underwent surgery and, as of January 31, was slowly waking up and doing great, though initially in critical condition. SAPD posted details on Facebook, emphasizing public safety amid rising road rage in urban Texas.

Charges and Road Ahead for Justice

Bryan Arceo, 41, sits in the Bexar County Adult Detention Center. Judges set his bond at $375,000, with a court date on April 30, 2026. He faces three counts of aggravated assault and one count of child endangerment. SAPD continues seeking witnesses, reinforcing community vigilance. The ex-wife’s cooperation bolsters the prosecution’s case against this disproportionate rage.

This tragedy spotlights short-term family trauma, medical costs, and vehicle damage, with long-term PTSD risks for involved children. Northwest San Antonio residents now fear daily commutes, which are amplifying debates about traffic enforcement and mental health. While Texas values self-defense, such reckless use of firearms erodes community trust and family safety.

Sources:

Person hospitalized after early morning shooting on Northwest Side

Heard a pop: 10-year-old shot by road rage driver