December 16, 2022 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the fatal shooting of a man at 8404 Safeguard Street about 12:15 a.m. on December 10.

The suspect, Carl Michael McCloud, Jr., 21, is charged with capital murder in the 177th State District Court. A booking photo of McCloud is attached to this news release.

Two other unknown suspects, described only as black males, are wanted for questioning in the shooting.

The victim is identified as James Blanton, 34.

HPD Homicide Division Detectives K. Heaverlo and A. Dudley reported:

Mr. Blanton was in the driveway of his residence at the above address when he interrupted an apparent home invasion as two armed suspects in masks attempted to enter his home. Blanton confronted and fought the suspects before he was shot. The suspects fled the scene on foot and possibly got into a waiting vehicle in the area.

Further investigation identified McCloud as the driver of the vehicle. He was taken into custody on Wednesday (Dec. 14) and subsequently charged for his role in the incident.

Anyone with information on the identities of the two unknown wanted suspects is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.