Man accused of squatting in New Kensington home, assaulting manager ordered to stand trial
A homeless man accused of breaking into a New Kensington apartment and then punching the property manager who ordered him to leave has been ordered to stand trial.
Bryant Nathaniel Thomas Houston, 38, was charged Nov. 17 with a felony count of burglary along with simple assault and detained in the Westmoreland County jail in lieu of a $5,000 cash bond.
The manager of an apartment building in the 700 block of Fifth Avenue reported to police on Nov. 17 that he opened the door to find a man inside using a space heater, according to a criminal complaint.
The manager said the man punched him in the head three times when he told him to get out and then fled.
Houston, who fit the description given by the manager and was known to officers, was found walking near Constitution Boulevard and Seventh Street and taken into custody, the complaint said.
Houston waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Nov. 30 before District Judge Frank J. Pallone Jr., who ordered him to stand trial in Westmoreland County Court. Formal arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 3.
Tony LaRussa is a TribLive reporter. A Pittsburgh native, he covers crime and courts in the Alle-Kiski Valley. He can be reached at tlarussa@triblive.com.
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