A 27-year-old in Arizona was recently arrested after filming and uploading a video to social media showing him spraying bug killer on food in the produce section of a Walmart. According to reports, Charles Smith has been charged with felony-level poisoning, misdemeanor-level criminal damage, and other misdemeanor charges related to endangerment and theft.
The Mesa Police Department stated that the incident occurred on December 19 around 8:30 p.m., when the suspect entered the Arizona grocery store with the intent to “film pranks for social media.” He subsequently acquired a spray can of bug killer and began applying it to a variety of different foods throughout the produce section.
“He then sprayed the pesticide on various produce items, including vegetables, fruit, and rotisserie chickens that were available for purchase,” according to a statement from the Mesa Police Department. “Smith filmed his face, the pesticide can, and the act of spraying. He later posted the video online.”
As Smith had no regard for anonymity during the alleged act, he was quickly tracked down by authorities. “Through investigative means, and with assistance from the Tempe Police Department, detectives were able to identify Smith as the suspect,” the statement explained. “Mesa Police contacted Smith and he turned himself in voluntarily. During the interview, Smith admitted to the theft and spraying of the pesticide.”
“Thanks to the tireless work of our officers and detectives, an arrest occurred less than 24 hours after police were notified of the incident,” the Mesa Police Department further noted, while thanking those who assisted their investigation. “We also extend our gratitude to the Tempe Police Department for their valuable contributions and collaboration in quickly solving this case.”
Fortunately, all the “directly impacted” food was removed from the store. “We have removed all directly impacted product and have cleaned and sanitized the affected area of the store,” the company continued. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our customers as we work to resolve this issue. We will continue to work closely with law enforcement during their investigation.”
Journalist Trenton Hooker shared the clip on X, writing, “A 27-year-old Mesa man faces felony charges for spraying bed bug killer on produce and chicken at a Walmart in order to ‘troll’ for social media. He told police he rakes up to 10K a month to produce videos like this one. @NicoleK_Fox10 is live tonight at 9P with the latest. @FOX10Phoenix.”
Hooker continued, “Charles Smith has been charged for using the pesticide as a weapon including 1 felony count for introducing poison and 3 other misdemeanors. His TikTok and Instagram pages are rife with similar videos, he told police are ‘pranks’ for social media clout. @FOX10Phoenix”. The journalist added, “Interesting to note that Smith decided to return and collect the poisoned food from Walmart only after he saw ‘comments online saying how horrible the act was’. @FOX10Phoenix.”
Watch the prank below:
Note: The featured image is a screenshot from the embedded video.
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