A prankster was recently arrested and charged after he allegedly sprayed bug killer on food at a Walmart in Arizona, according to police.
Charles Smith, 27, was charged with felony intoxication and criminal damage to property, as well as felony endangerment and theft. The Mesa Police Department confirmed the arrest in a statement to Fox News Digital.
The incident began around 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 19, police said, when the suspect entered a Mesa Walmart “with the intent of filming pranks for social media.” He then grabbed a can of insect killer “without paying for it,” according to the police statement.
According to authorities, Smith targeted both agricultural products and prepared foods, such as fried chicken, with the spray.
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27-year-old Charles Smith was recently arrested by the Mesa Police Department for a dangerous prank he pulled using a bug zapper at a Walmart. (Mesa Police Department)
“He then sprayed the pesticide on various products, including vegetables, fruits and fried chicken, that were available for purchase,” the Mesa police statement said. “Smith filmed his face, the can of pesticide and the spraying. He later posted the video online.”
Smith later voluntarily turned himself in and admitted the crimes.
“Through investigative efforts and with the assistance of the Tempe Police Department, investigators were able to identify Smith as a suspect,” the statement continued. “Mesa police contacted Smith and he voluntarily turned himself in. During the interview, Smith admitted to stealing and spraying the pesticide.”
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The incident occurred at a Walmart in Mesa, Arizona. (Google Maps)
“Thanks to the tireless work of our officers and investigators, an arrest was made less than 24 hours after police were notified of the incident,” police continued. “We also thank the Tempe Police Department for their valuable input and cooperation in quickly resolving this case.”
Authorities added that the incident illustrates “the potential dangers of reckless actions disguised as social media pranks.”
On Sunday, Walmart told Fox News Digital that customer safety is “always our top priority” and confirmed that all tainted products have been removed from shelves.
The Mesa Police Department confirmed Smith’s arrest in a statement to Fox News Digital. (Google Maps)
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“We have removed all directly affected products and cleaned and disinfected the affected area of the store,” the company continued. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our customers while we work to resolve this issue. We will continue to work closely with law enforcement throughout their investigation.”