A man in Mesa, Arizona is facing multiple charges after he was caught on camera spraying bug killer on food products at a local Walmart Supercenter.
27-year-old Charles Smith was arrested by the police on Saturday for his involvement in the incident that took place on Thursday at the megastore located at Stapley Drive and Baseline Road.
The Mesa police were alerted to the video depicting the items being sprayed on Friday.
According to police, Smith had initially entered the store with the intention of recording pranks for his social media platform. However, he deviated from his original plan and decided to take a can of Hot Shot Ultra Bed Bug and Flea Killer without paying for it.
A video was posted on social media, but it was later removed, which depicted Smith spraying pesticide on different types of produce that were available for sale, including vegetables, fruit, and rotisserie chickens.
According to a Walmart spokesperson, the store’s employees took immediate action by removing all the products that were directly affected. They also ensured that the affected area of the store was thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
Smith allegedly recorded a video where he filmed his face, the pesticide can, and the act of spraying the items. He then proceeded to upload the video on the internet.
Mesa police, in collaboration with the Tempe Police Department, initiated an investigation and successfully identified Smith as the main suspect. Subsequently, law enforcement officials reached out to Smith, who willingly surrendered himself to the authorities.
During an interview, Smith confessed to the act, according to the police. He is now facing the charges listed below:
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- Introducing Poison (Class 6 Felony)
- Criminal Damage (Class 1 Misdemeanor)
- Endangerment (Class 1 Misdemeanor)
- Theft (Class 1 Misdemeanor)
Arizona shoppers expressed their frustration and disappointment in conversations with Arizona’s Family.
Alysia Iverson emphasized the importance of pranks being genuinely funny without causing harm to others.
According to court documents, Smith identifies himself as a “troll.” He admitted to the police that he shares these types of pranks on his social media as a means of trolling. He claims to earn a monthly income ranging from $6,000 to $10,000 from these activities.
A troll is an individual who intentionally creates offensive or provocative posts on the internet.
“I believe that social media has led people to engage in reckless behavior,” expressed Xavier Griego, a Walmart shopper. “It is truly unfortunate that individuals are willing to jeopardize their entire lives for the sake of gaining views on social media.”