A 27-year-old prankster has been arrested after spraying pesticide on produce and other food items inside a Mesa Walmart as part of a social media stunt.
Charles Smith, of Mesa, entered the Walmart located at 1955 S. Stapley Dr. on Thursday, intending to record pranks for his social media platforms. Instead, police say Smith grabbed a can of Hot Shot Ultra Bed Bug and Flea Killer from the shelf without paying for it. He then proceeded to spray the pesticide on a variety of items, including vegetables, fruit, and rotisserie chickens that were available for purchase.
Smith filmed the incident, capturing footage of his face, the pesticide can, and the act of spraying the food. He later posted the video online.
Mesa police reported that Smith later turned himself in and confessed to the theft and spraying of the pesticide. He was booked into jail on Saturday with the following charges:
- Introducing Poison (Class 6 Felony)
- Criminal Damage (Class 1 Misdemeanor)
- Endangerment (Class 1 Misdemeanor)
- Theft (Class 1 Misdemeanor)
