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Robert X. Houston, 22, of Middletown, claimed that he pulled the stunt at Perry’s Florist & Gardens on Harristown Road in January as part of an effort to establish himself as a YouTube personality, Police Chief Dean Ackermann said.
Houston told police there were no chemicals or other substances in the hand-held sprayer, but Ackermann said more than $750 worth of merchandise at Perry's had to be tossed out of "an abundance of caution."
Detective Sgt. James Calaski identified Houston as the sprayer who fled in a Tesla with New York license plates -- along with someone who recorded the incident and a third member of the group -- after being confronted by the business owner, the chief said.
Houston surrendered himself to Calaski at Glen Rock police headquarters. He was charged with criminal mischief and released.
A Superior Court judge in Hackensack last week let Houston remain free, with conditions, pending a resolution of the charges. At the very least, he will likely be ordered to pay restitution.
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