Prankster arrested for spraying pesticide on produce inside Mesa grocery store
Dec 21, 2024, 11:30 AM | Updated: Dec 23, 2024, 7:34 am
Charles Smith is accused of spraying pesticide on food at a Mesa Walmart. (Photos via Mesa Police Department)
(Photos via Mesa Police Department)
PHOENIX — A prankster has been arrested in connection with a social media post involving the spraying of pesticide on produce and other foods at a Mesa Walmart store.
According to police, Charles Smith, 27, entered the Walmart at 1955 S. Stapley Dr. on Thursday intending to film pranks for social media platforms.
Instead, police said Smith grabbed a can of Hot Shot Ultra Bed Bug and Flea Killer from a shelf without paying for it and then sprayed the pesticide on various vegetables, fruit and rotisserie chickens that were available for purchase.
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Smith recorded his face, the pesticide can and the act of him spraying its contents. He later posted the recording online.
Police said Smith turned himself in and admitted to the theft and to the spraying of the pesticide.
He was booked into jail Saturday on the following counts:
- Introducing Poison (Class 6 Felony).
- Criminal Damage (Class 1 Misdemeanor).
- Endangerment (Class 1 Misdemeanor).
- Theft (Class 1 Misdemeanor).
