Man kicks water pipe, damages Midtown bar

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- As a business owner, Josh Harris knows loving thy neighbor is simply the golden rule. But, a not-so-neighborly act caught on surveillance cameras forced him to contact police.

"He kicked it roughly at 1:50am," said Harris, who owns Front Porch Pub in Midtown.

The video shows a man repeatedly kicking a water pipe until it bursts.

"I've never had a fight with him or any problems with him," said Harris.

As it turns out, it appears several business owners and customers in Midtown have complained about the same man, alleging belligerent, rude and aggressive behavior.

Harris bought his surveillance cameras just two weeks ago. Fortunately, the quality is crystal clear.

"I would've never guessed it's my neighbor," he said.

Unfortunately, the damage is extensive.

"We lost tens of thousands of gallons of water," said Harris. "The damage to the building is inside the wall so we don't know the extent of the damage right now."

Then, there's the disappointment of knowing your neighbors aren't always who they seem.

"He stood here the whole time they were fixing (the pipe) saying things like, 'Man this really isn't good. I'm sorry that this happened to you,'" Harris said.

Harris said Houston Police have issued an arrest warrant for the suspect, who is expected to be charged with felony criminal mischief. Harris said he's considering a civil lawsuit as well.