Tempe Police Arrest Social Media Prank Leader Disrupting Multiple Businesses

Heston Cobb, a 21-year-old man, was arrested by Tempe police in connection with a series of viral social media prank videos where he and a group impersonated employees at various Tempe businesses, including Chipotle and auto repair shops. The group disrupted operations by entering employee-only areas and refusing to leave, actions captured in videos posted on the Instagram account "Heston James," which amassed millions of views and likely generated significant revenue. Police served a search warrant at Cobb's home and charged him with 13 offenses related to these incidents that took place from March to July. The videos featured Cobb directing others to "work" in the stores, leading to disturbances that affected several businesses such as Big Brand Tire & Service, Jiffy Lube, and Pep Boys. Authorities provided links to some of the videos showing interactions with employees who demanded the group leave the premises. Cobb's arrest follows widespread public attention drawn by the prank videos and their impact on local businesses.