Surveillance video released in gas station murder

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- We're learning new information about a woman's murder and one man's courageous act which stopped her killer.

It was a little after 7:00pm Saturday when James McCarty, 55, began waving his gun in the middle of the Valero gas station on Scott Street near the South Loop.

Court documents state the store had declined McCarty's credit card and he came outside agitated. Police say McCarty and the passenger of a white van began arguing. Police say McCarty then walked up to the van's door and shot Cyril Chatman Jones, 33, in the head.

Military veteran Chance Perkins witnessed the shooting and felt the need to get involved.

"I'm walking and I see this man standing outside of his van and he just points and shoots and kills this woman in broad daylight. Just like that, like it's nothing," Perkins said.

In surveillance video released Monday, you can see Perkins move in and tackle the suspect.

"He still had his pistol in his hand and he shot at me," Perkins said. "He shot at me three times while I'm grabbing him and we're struggling."

Perkins finally got the man on the ground, but not before the shooter fired off one more shot.

Amazingly, Perkins was not hurt.

"In my heart, I know what's right. I knew it and when I saw that happen, I mean, I couldn't live with myself if I just walked away or if I just ran or something, you know," said Perkins.

McCarty is charged with murder and is being held on a $50,000 bond.