Alleged copper thief arrested after being caught on camera dismantling AC units in The Heights

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- An alleged copper thief was caught on camera dismantling AC units at a business complex in The Heights, forcing several small businesses to close, according to authorities.

The alleged theft happened Aug. 31. Business owners told ABC13 that thieves took copper from rooftop AC units, leaving their businesses without air conditioning during the late-summer heat.

The damage cost some businesses tens of thousands of dollars in lost revenue, owners said.

The Houston Police Department confirmed it arrested Pedro Mendez Jr. on Sept. 2 after a repairman who arrived to investigate the AC problems discovered a man on the roof.

Myea Jenkins, office manager at Northside Accident Injury Chiropractic, said the business was already dealing with extreme heat after losing its air conditioning.

"It was like a sauna," Jenkins said.

Jenkins said the office temperature reached 85 degrees.

The business had to wait two days for its repairman to arrive. When he got there Sept. 2, Jenkins said the alleged thief was still on the roof.

The repairman initially thought the man could be another worker. But according to business owners, the repairman soon realized the man was allegedly dismantling the building's AC units and taking copper.

The repairman did not confront the man. Instead, he recorded video and asked questions after coming back down from the roof.

"He was on the roof dismantling all of the AC units for the entire building," Jenkins said.

Jenkins said the repairman eventually showed her the video he recorded and told her there was a problem. She said no one had authorized anyone else to work on the roof.

Police eventually used a ladder to help bring Mendez down from the building.

Court records show Mendez was found hiding inside one of the dismantled AC units. He was arrested and charged with criminal mischief, according to police.

Other businesses along the shopping strip were also affected, including Honey Art Café, which was forced to close because of the lack of air conditioning.

The owner said the unexpected closure was especially difficult for a small business.

"As a small business, the coffers aren't super thick, so it's not great when we have to randomly close down," the owner said.

The businesses have since had their air conditioning restored.

Business owners said they also installed new cameras on top of the building to deter future thefts and help identify anyone who tries to access the rooftop.

"There's gotta be better ways to make money," the Honey Art Café owner said. "This is crazy."

The businesses said they hope the additional security will help prevent another costly disruption.