A prankster was recently arrested and charged after allegedly spraying food with pesticide at an Arizona Walmart, police said.
Charles Smith, 27, was charged with misdemeanor charges of endangerment and theft, as well as felony-level poisoning and misdemeanor-level criminal damage. The Mesa Police Department confirmed the arrest in a statement to Fox News Digital.
According to police, the incident began on Dec. 19 around 8:30 p.m. when the suspect entered the Mesa Walmart “with the intention of filming a prank for social media.” He then picked up a can of pesticide “without paying,” police said.
Authorities said Smith aimed the spray at both produce and processed foods, including rotisserie chicken.
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Charles Smith, 27, was recently arrested by the Mesa Police Department for a dangerous prank involving pesticides inside Walmart. (Mesa Police Department)
“He then sprayed pesticides on various produce, including vegetables, fruit, and rotisserie chickens available for purchase,” according to a statement from the Mesa Police Department. “Mr. Smith filmed his face, the can of pesticide, and the act of spraying, and then posted the video online.”
Smith later turned himself in and admitted to the crime.
“Through investigative tools and assistance from the Tempe Police Department, detectives were able to identify Smith as the suspect,” the statement added. “When Mesa Police contacted Smith, he turned himself in. During interrogation, Smith admitted to the theft and spraying the pesticide.”
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The incident occurred at a Walmart in Mesa, Arizona. (Google Maps)
“Thanks to the tireless efforts of our officers and detectives, this arrest was made less than 24 hours after police were alerted to the incident,” the department continued. “We would also like to thank the Tempe Police Department for their valuable contributions and cooperation in quickly resolving this case.”
Officials added that the incident illustrates “the potential dangers of reckless behavior disguised as a social media prank.”
Walmart told Fox News Digital on Sunday that customer safety is “always our top priority” and confirmed that all contaminated 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 merchandise and cleaned and disinfected the affected areas of the store,” the company continued. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our customers as we work to resolve this matter. We will continue to work closely with law enforcement during the investigation.”
