TikTok Star Arrested After Viral Pranks

Heston Cobb, a 21‑year‑old TikTok influencer known as “Heston James” to his 1.6 million followers, was arrested at his home on July 23, 2025 after authorities linked him to a series of elaborate prank videos that disrupted multiple local businesses.

Between March and July, Cobb and an accomplice team impersonated employees at establishments including Pep Boys, Hyland Auto Repair, Big Brand Tire & Service, Jiffy Lube, and a Chipotle restaurant. Disguised in staff uniforms, they entered restricted areas, refused to leave when asked, and staged fake work scenarios—all in pursuit of viral attention, say police.

In one high‑profile incident, Cobb claimed to be from corporate management at Hyland Auto Repair, prompting a group dressed as mechanics to swarm the shop and begin working on customers’ vehicles—a stunt captured in a video that amassed over 12 million views. Another widely shared clip showed Cobb’s group dressed as a cleaning crew entering a Chipotle, grabbing supplies, and ignoring employees’ pleas to leave, while Cobb shouted at his team to “get to work”.

Following the arrest, Cobb was formally charged with one count of third‑degree burglary, two counts of criminal impersonation, five counts of disorderly conduct, and five counts of criminal trespass—charges that carry serious legal implications. Authorities emphasize that while the videos may appear comedic, they cross the line into criminal conduct. “These videos are definitely not pranks. They are crossing the line from something that’s fun and playful into criminal territory. They’re breaking laws,” remarked Tempe Police Officer Jessica Ells.

Business owners have voiced concern that Cobb’s actions unfairly targeted local establishments. David Hyland of Hyland Auto Repair stated that Cobb sought to profit by harming small businesses like his—highlighting a growing issue of monetizing disruption for social media clout.

This arrest follows a string of similar high‑profile incidents involving social media pranksters. In December 2024, TikTok creator Charles Smith—known as “Wolfie Kahletti”—was arrested in Mesa, Arizona after filming himself spraying pesticide on produce in a supermarket, an act that prompted felony charges over endangerment and product tampering.

Tempe police urge content creators to consider the real‑world consequences of their stunts. Erick Ells warned, “Are you ready to face the fact that you could be going to jail for a prank just to get some views?”

As investigations continue, this case serves as a cautionary tale about the slippery slope social media fame can create—transforming entertainment into illegal activity.