YouTube Prankster Faces Criminal Mischief Charge: Glen Rock Police

GLEN ROCK, NJ — A forensic suit-wearing man who walked into a floral shop and appeared to spray items with an unknown material turned himself in to police and said he was trying to establish himself as a "YouTuber," according to authorities.

Robert Houston, 22, of Middletown, New York, surrendered himself to Glen Rock police and confessed that the Jan. 16 incident at Perry's Florist was a prank and that he had recorded a video to post, borough police Chief Dean Ackermann said.

Houston had entered the Harristown Road shop, Patch previously reported, at about 4:55 p.m. with two other men, and seemed to spray the plants and flowers with an "unknown substance." When approached by employees, the men left the area, Ackermann said.

The 22-year-old later claimed that there was no substance in the handheld sprayer he used, police said.

Still, the shop owner incurred losses of about $725, as the items purportedly sprayed were discarded for possible environmental risks or hazards out of an "abundance of caution," police said.

Houston was charged with one count of criminal mischief, and was processed and released on his own recognizance pending an initial court appearance, police added.