In a bizarre incident, a 27-year-old man, Charles Smith, was arrested in Mesa, Arizona, after allegedly spraying bug spray on food items at a local Walmart. Smith reportedly filmed the act as a prank for social media, targeting produce and prepared foods like rotisserie chickens with the insecticide. Police confirmed that Smith entered the store on December 19th around 8:30 PM, stole a can of bug killer, and proceeded to contaminate the food while recording himself. He later uploaded the video online. The Mesa Police Department, with assistance from the Tempe Police Department, quickly identified Smith, who subsequently turned himself in and confessed to the crime. He now faces felony poisoning charges, misdemeanor criminal damage, endangerment, and theft. Walmart has since removed all affected products, sanitized the area, and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. The incident underscores the potential dangers of social media pranks gone wrong.

Charles Smith (Mesa Police Department)

The Mesa Walmart where the incident occurred (Google Maps)

Mesa Police Department (Google Maps)