TikTok star arrested for spraying pesticide on Walmart produce in prank video

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1 min read
December 22, 2024

MESA, Ariz. — A TikTok influencer was arrested after filming himself spraying insecticide on fresh produce and rotisserie chickens at a local Walmart, police said.

Charles Smith, 27, was taken into custody by the Mesa Police Department after posting a video online showing the act, in which he sprayed pesticide on fruits, vegetables, and other food items available for purchase. Authorities allege he grabbed the pesticide from a store shelf without paying for it before recording the prank.

“He then sprayed the pesticide on various produce items, including vegetables, fruit and rotisserie chickens that were available for purchase,” Mesa police said in a statement. “Smith filmed his face, the pesticide can and the act of spraying. He later posted the video online.”

Smith, who is known for public prank videos on social media, now faces charges of introducing poison, criminal damage, endangerment, and theft. Police did not report any illnesses resulting from the incident but confirmed that the tainted products were removed from shelves.

Smith remains in custody at a Maricopa County jail, while Walmart has not commented on the incident.

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