Northwest Houston Man Arrested in Violent Home Invasion

HOUSTON, Texas – A northwest Houston man was arrested and charged in connection with a violent home invasion that occurred in March 2024. Joel Abarca, 30, is accused of participating in an attack that left three victims, including a child, pistol-whipped and locked in a closet.

The alleged incident took place in the 13000 block of Eldridge Valley Drive. Prosecutors say Abarca and a group of accomplices held two adults and a child at gunpoint during the invasion, using physical violence before securing them in a closet while they robbed the home.

During a recent court appearance, a judge set Abarca’s bond at $100,000. According to court documents, he is suspected of either acting as a lookout or coordinating the home invasion efforts.

Investigators with Harris County indicated that while multiple arrests had been made previously, they uncovered new evidence over the past month that further implicates Abarca in the crime.

This case continues to develop as law enforcement seeks additional information and potential witnesses.