Arrest made after body discovered in NW Houston motel bathtub

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- An arrest has been made following the discovery of a body in a bathtub at a northwest Houston motel early Tuesday morning.

It happened at the at the Tropical Motel off North Shepherd. Detectives say a clerk found the victim -- only identified as a 35-year-old man -- dead, with blood in a room.

Carlos Mercado, 17, was arrested and is facing charges in connection with the victim's death.

Police say Mercado and the victim drove to the hotel together and checked into a room. At some point, the two got into an altercation, say police, that ended with Mercado beating, choking and stabbing the victim.

Mercado then reportedly took off in the victim's vehicle and was pulled over minutes later for a traffic violation.

He reportedly admitted his role in the victim's death.

The investigation continues.