A self-proclaimed Arizona social media “villain” was taken into custody after he recorded himself allegedly spraying bed bug killer on groceries inside a Walmart while bragging to authorities about his prank videos.
Charles Smith, 27, reportedly grabbed a can of Hot Shot Ultra Bed Bug and Flea Killer and sprayed the pesticide on various perishable items in the Mesa, Arizona store around 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 19.
In a since-deleted video, the influencer filmed himself wearing a black hoodie and pink bandana as he sprayed the toxin on bananas, acorn squash, potatoes, lemons, green apples, and Roma tomatoes at the store, situated in a neighborhood southeast of Phoenix.
According to court documents, police allege that the TikTok user, who goes by the username WolfieKahletti, deliberately went to the store to film pranks for his channel. He has amassed over 300,000 followers on TikTok.
Smith described himself as an online “troll” and informed police that he earns between $6,000 to $10,000 per month by filming his controversial prank videos.
Walmart shopper Xavier Griego expressed his disappointment, stating, “I think social media has got people doing crazy things out here. It’s unfortunate that somebody would mess up their whole life, potentially, for something on social media for views.”
Smith surrendered himself to the authorities on Dec. 21.
He is facing charges of introducing poison (a felony) as well as three misdemeanors including criminal damage, endangerment, and theft.
A Walmart spokesperson informed AZ Family that the affected products were removed, and the store areas were sanitized.
It remains unclear if any customers suffered injuries from consuming the contaminated items.
The Mesa Police Department stated, “This incident highlights the potential dangers of reckless actions disguised as social media pranks.”
Other videos posted by Smith include him apparently mixing bacon and eggs in a stranger’s laundry at the laundromat and locking individuals inside a different grocery store.
The spray is considered “harmful if swallowed,” and prolonged or frequent skin contact could lead to allergic reactions in some individuals, according to HotShot’s website.
Individuals convicted of tampering with consumer products could face 5 to 20 years in prison.
In a separate incident, an Arizona man was sentenced to probation after adding harmful chemicals to food in retail stores in the Phoenix area.
There were no reported injuries or illnesses linked to the tampered items during the stunt.
The individual was later accused of tampering with products in California and received a prison sentence followed by supervised release with mental health services.
