Tempe, AZ – Yesterday, the Tempe Police Department arrested social media influencer involved in serious viral pranks that disrupted several local businesses.

Between the months of March and July, businesses began reporting instances of a group of men coming into their stores dressed as employees. These men began seriously disrupting their businesses by entering employee-only areas and refusing to leave when asked. One man was identified as the “leader” of the group, instructed the others to begin “working”.

These acts were posted on the social media pages of “Heston James”. The videos garnered millions of views and potentially generated large amounts of money.

Tempe businesses affected include Pep Boys, Hyland Auto Repair, Big Brand Tire & Service, Jiffy Lube, and Chipotle.

Detectives started to link the cases after a series of these pranks occurred in Tempe at the beginning of July. Diligent police work connected 21-year-old Heston Cobb to the social media platforms as the leader of these pranks.

The Tempe Police Department arrested Cobb yesterday at his home and served a search warrant. Cobb was booked for the following charges:

• 1 count of Burglary in the Third Degree
• 2 counts of Criminal Impersonation
• 5 counts of Disorderly Conduct
• 5 counts of Criminal Trespass