A self-described Arizona social media “villain” was arrested after allegedly filming himself spraying bedbug killer on groceries inside a Walmart, as he told police about his prank video.
Charles Smith, 27, is accused of grabbing a can of Hot Shot Ultra Bed Bug and Flea Killer and spreading the pesticide on a series of perishable items at the Mesa, Ariz. megastore around 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 19.
In the now-deleted video, the influencer filmed himself wearing a black hoodie and pink bandana as he sprayed the poison on bananas, acorn squash, potatoes, lemons, green apples and Roma tomatoes at the shop southeast of Phoenix.
Police claim TikToker, who goes by Username wolfikahletiHad deliberately gone to the store to film a prank for his channel.
Smith is identified as an online “troll”. According to court documents seen by Edge FamilyHe has more than 300,000 followers on TikTok.
The miscreant reportedly told police that he earns $6,000 to $10,000 per month by filming his provocative prank videos.
“I think social media has led people to do crazy things here,” Walmart shopper Javier Griego told the outlet. “It’s unfortunate that someone could potentially be bullied for views on social media Will ruin your whole life.”
Smith voluntarily surrendered himself to police on 21 December.
He is charged with poisoning (a felony) as well as three misdemeanors including criminal damage, endangerment and theft.
A Walmart spokesperson told Edge Family that store employees removed directly affected products and cleaned affected areas of the store.
It’s not clear if any customers were injured after eating the contaminated items.
“This incident highlights the potential dangers of reckless actions disguised as a social media prank,” the Mesa Police Department said. Said in a statement.
Other videos posted online by Smith also include his posts Adding Bacon and Eggs to a Stranger’s Load In the laundromat as well as people locked inside a different grocery store.
The spray is “harmful if swallowed” and “prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause allergic reactions in some individuals”. Hotshot’s website.
Suspicious Convicted of tampering with consumer products Could face 5 to 20 years in prison.
In 2022, a person from Arizona was sentenced to 10 years probation After being found guilty of adding harmful chemicals to food at several retail stores in the Phoenix area.
David Loehr was ordered to pay $390.42 in restitution to a grocery chain and was ordered to participate in a mental health evaluation and any additional recommended treatment.
Prosecutors said there were no reported injuries or illnesses linked to the items tampered with during the 2018 stunt.
Lohr was charged a year later with tampering with products in stores in California and sentenced to 51 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release with mental health services.
(Tags to translate)US News(T)Arizona(T)Arrest(T)Crime(T)Influential People(T)Prank(T)Walmart
