Houston police are on the hunt for a 71-year-old man charged with shooting a woman earlier this week, an incident that punctuated the night with violence and left a community on edge. The suspect, identified as Tom Reed Jr., faces charges of aggravated assault of a family member. Officials have released a photo of Reed Jr., urging those who might know his whereabouts to step forward.
The shooting took place at approximately 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday at 6430 Lautrec Drive, in the heart of a Houston neighborhood. In a release by the city of Houston, responding officers found a 45-year-old woman suffering from a gunshot wound. She was swiftly taken to an area hospital where she was reported to be in stable condition. Charged in the 178th State District Court, Reed Jr. remains at large, his direction after the shooting unknown in which he fled the scene.
During the investigation, led by HPD Major Assaults and Family Violence Division Detective J. Rivera, it was learned that the victim and Reed Jr. had a history that was more than the mere crossing of paths – they were previously entwined in a relationship. It was a verbal argument that caught fire and led to the shooting, as detailed in the official report of the Houston Police.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office, having convened to review the facts, saw fit to charge Reed Jr. for his role in the incident. Anyone with the knowledge that could help pin down Reed Jr.'s location, or can provide further details about the case, is encouraged to contact the HPD Major Assaults & Family Violence Division at 713-308-8800, or to anonymously speak to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
