Ten‑year‑old Alisa Gates was critically wounded when a bullet struck the family van during an alleged road‑rage incident in San Antonio on Jan. 30. Police say suspect Bryan Arceo fired at the vehicle after another driver honked; two adults in the van were uninjured. Arceo was arrested and charged with three counts of aggravated assault and one count of endangering a child. Alisa has undergone surgery and is reported to be in recovery while the investigation continues.
10-Year-Old Critically Injured in San Antonio Road‑Rage Shooting While En Route to School
Alisa GatesCourtesy of Gates family
A 10-year-old girl, identified as Alisa Gates, remains in critical condition after being shot while seated in the backseat of her family's van during an alleged road‑rage incident in San Antonio, Texas, on Jan. 30.
What Happened
According to the San Antonio Police Department, 28‑year‑old Bryan Arceo allegedly reversed aggressively from a driveway. When another driver honked, officers say Arceo pointed a gun at the family's van and fired, striking the child through the rear door. Two adults in the vehicle were not injured.
Alisa GatesCourtesy of Gates family
Family's Account
Alisa's father, Jason Gates, told local reporters that he and his wife smelled gunpowder and then realized a bullet had entered the van's back door. He recalled that his wife briefly honked at the other driver before the shot was fired and that they initially attempted to drive to the hospital before pulling into a parking lot to call for help.
'My wife looks at my daughter and says, 'Hey, did you get shot?'' Jason said. 'My daughter said no at first, and then I opened the door and realized she had been hit.'
Investigation and Arrest
The parents briefly spotted the vehicle they believe had fired at them, recorded its license plate and provided a description to authorities. Police activated a multi‑unit response and arrested Arceo. He was booked into the Bexar County Adult Detention Center and faces three counts of aggravated assault and one count of endangering a child.
Bryan ArceoSan Antonio Police Department/Facebook
Affidavit Details
An affidavit obtained by local media states Arceo was accompanied in his vehicle by his ex‑wife and a child. The affidavit says his ex‑wife heard a pop, saw him point the gun at the family's van and then observed the vehicle that later dropped her and the child off nearby.
Victim's Condition and Family Impact
Jason Gates said Alisa underwent surgery and is 'doing great' in recovery, according to interviews, though the family is coping with the trauma of the event and the physical reminder of the bullet hole in their van. Police say the investigation is ongoing and charges have been filed while prosecutors prepare the case.
Note: Authorities ask anyone with additional information or video of the incident to contact the San Antonio Police Department.
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