Douchebag Of The Day: Arizona Influencer Arrested After Business Takeover Prank

An Arizona influencer has been arrested after a viral business takeover prank. He's facing several charges over the disruptions.

We talk about how annoying influencers can be on Dave & Chuck The Freak all the time. It feels like every other day there's a story of an influencer taking things too far and the story ends in their arrest or even a death. Maybe they're trying to get footage of a cliff or a dangerous spot, maybe they're intentionally driving too fast, or maybe they executed a business takeover. According to AZ Family, 24-year-old Heston Cobb aka Heston James on social media, was arrested at his home this week. AZ Family says several businesses reported a group of men coming into their stores dressed as employees and even went into employee-only areas and wouldn't leave when asked. It sounds like Cobb was the leader and told the rest to start working. Check out a video report shared by 12 News on YouTube below. Is it a funny prank or did he take things too far?

AZ Family says the group played pranks at businesses such as Pep Boys, Hyland Auto Repair, Big Brand Tire & Service, Jiffy Lube, and Chipotle. Tempe Police Officer Jessica Ells tells AZ Family, "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. They are going into these businesses and impersonating the employees. That actually is a felony charge."

Can you imagine if a group of people came into your work in uniform and just started doing tasks? That would be wild. I wouldn't know what to do. Were they hired? Are they taking my job? Can I go home?

The viral videos were shared on Cobb's social media accounts where he has millions of views and over a million followers on TikTok and Instagram. Cobb was booked on 5 counts of disorderly conduct, 5 counts of criminal trespass, 2 counts of criminal impersonation, and 1 count of burglary, per AZ Family. You can see his mugshot provided by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office below.

Influencers have to understand that there's a difference between a prank and a crime. There's often a fine line and I'd love to see them straddle that line, but you just can't cross it. Some people are trying just too hard to get that social media clout.