Art studio fire: Bohemian Production allegedly set on fire by artist’s friend, who killed himself as police went to arrest him.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — An artist is struggling to get through the days after losing his entire business in a studio fire.

But what worries him most is that the man accused of arson was a friend who jumped to his death as authorities tried to serve him an arrest warrant.

Jack Potts, who owns Bohemian Production, is torn right now.

Potts and Eoles Whitaker, also known at Deuce, were not just business partners.

“We weren’t just like seeing each other around the office, maybe. It was, he was a friend,” Potts said. I consider him a brother and I hope that this does not happen”.

Potts told ABC13 the two had a dispute over $1,000, which led to a tragedy that affected more than just the two of them.

Investigators charged Deuce with arson after the Winter Street Studios caught fire on December 20.

Days earlier, Potts said Deuce booked a comedian and then things took a turn.

“I was giving him a piece of it to be a connector, and I think there was some inconsistency as to how much it was going to be worth,” Potts said.

He believes that’s when Deuce started planning his revenge.

According to court documents, on the morning of December 20, an explosion occurred and smoke filled the building.

Detectives said surveillance video showed Deuce inside the building that morning, and shortly after, walking into the Rice Apartments, where he lived, with some Potts camera equipment.

Potts found out that Deuce had lost his job two months ago.

“Once I found out it was him, I can honestly say that, I never even got mad at him,” Potts said. “It immediately went to the pain he must have.”

Potts reached out to his friend after the fire, but said Deuce wouldn’t answer.

The fire marshal’s office said they obtained an arrest warrant, and before investigators could enter Deuce’s apartment to arrest him, he jumped from his 17th-floor apartment window.

“Anyone who’s depressed or struggling, talk to people,” Potts said.

Potts’ studio suffered at least $250,000 in damage.

Several other artists’ studios in the building had their work and equipment damaged as well.

“I’m sure he had no idea what was going to happen,” Potts said. “Influence, hundreds of artists who were influenced in one way or another.”

Friends have started a GoFundMe to help Potts start over.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or loved one, help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text TALK to 741-741 for free confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

SEE ORIGINAL REPORT: Fire at Winter Street Studios in Houston’s Sawyer Heights under investigation