The Daily Populous Sunday December 22nd, 2024 day edition
Authored by ktar.com and submitted by SellingCoach

PHOENIX — A male prankster has been arrested in connection with a social media post involving the spraying of pesticide on produce and other foods at a Mesa Walmart store.

According to police, Charles Smith, 27, entered the Walmart at 1955 S. Stapley Dr. on Dec. 19 intending to film pranks for social media platforms.

Instead, police said Smith grabbed a can of Hot Shot Ultra Bed Bug and Flea Killer from a shelf without paying for it and then sprayed the pesticide on various vegetables, fruit and rotisserie chickens that were available for purchase.

Smith recorded his face, the pesticide can and the act of him spraying its contents. He later posted the recording online.

Police said Smith turned himself in and admitted to the theft and to the spraying of the pesticide.

We want to hear from you. Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

rnilf on December 21st, 2024 at 23:34 UTC »

> Smith recorded his face, the pesticide can and the act of him spraying its contents. He later posted the recording online.

The fact that this kind of content is what gets engagement, positive and negative, and can potentially lead to fame/infamy and fortune in today's world makes me sad.

Njabachi on December 21st, 2024 at 23:31 UTC »

That's well beyond a prank.

For the curious, it also said he was charged with a "Class 6" felony.

welkikitty on December 21st, 2024 at 23:30 UTC »

That’s not a prankster. That’s a straight up asshole filming BS rage content for likes and clicks.