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Man arrested for spraying insecticide on food at Mesa Walmart

Man arrested for spraying insecticide on food at Mesa Walmart

MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — A man is facing multiple charges after he allegedly filmed himself spraying insecticide on food at a Walmart Supercenter in Mesa.

Police arrested 27-year-old Charles Smith on Saturday in connection with the incident that occurred Thursday at the Megastore at Stapley Drive and Baseline Road.

Police arrested 27-year-old Charles Smith on Saturday in connection with the food spraying...
Police arrested 27-year-old Charles Smith on Saturday in connection with spraying groceries with insecticide at a Mesa Walmart.(Mesa Police Department)

Mesa police said they learned of the video showing the objects being sprayed on Friday.

According to police, Smith entered the store intending to film social media pranks, but instead grabbed a can of Hot Shot Ultra Bed Bug and Flea Killer without paying for it.

In a video uploaded to social media but later deleted, Smith can be seen spraying the pesticide on various products for sale, including vegetables, fruits and fried chicken.

A Walmart spokesperson said workers removed all directly affected products and cleaned and disinfected the affected area of ​​the store.

Smith reportedly filmed his face, the can of pesticide and the spraying of the items before posting the video online.

Mesa police, along with Tempe police, began an investigation and identified Smith as a suspect. Police contacted Smith and he voluntarily turned himself in.

According to police, Smith admitted to the crime in an interview. He is accused of the following charges:

  • Introducing Poison (Class 6 Felony)
  • Criminal Harm (Class 1 Misdemeanor)
  • Endangerment (Class 1 Misdemeanor)
  • Theft (Class 1 Misdemeanor)

Arizona’s family spoke to buyers who were completely upset.

“Pranks are supposed to be funny. Like, if it’s going to hurt other people, why would you do that?” said Alysia Iverson.

According to court documents, Smith is a self-described “troll.” Police said Smith told them that as a “troll” he posted such pranks on his social media and could earn between $6,000 and $10,000 a month.

A troll is someone who intentionally posts offensive or provocative posts online.

“I think social media is making people do crazy things out here,” said Xavier Griego, a shopper at Walmart. “It’s unfortunate that someone could potentially screw up their entire life for views on social media for something.”

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