TEMPE, AZ (AZFamily) — A 24-year-old social media influencer, Heston Cobb, known online as “Heston James,” has been arrested after a string of disruptive viral prank videos that affected several Tempe businesses.
Tempe Police say Cobb and a group of men entered multiple stores between March and July, impersonating employees and causing confusion. Businesses impacted include Pep Boys, Hyland Auto Repair, Big Brand Tire & Service, Jiffy Lube, and Chipotle. The group would enter employee-only areas, refuse to leave, and begin performing fake “job duties” while filming the incidents for social media.
“These videos are not harmless pranks,” said Officer Jessica Ells. “They’re impersonating workers and entering restricted areas — that’s a felony.”
In one video, Cobb arrived at Hyland Auto, claimed to be from corporate, and brought a team of fake mechanics who crawled under customer vehicles. Owner David Hyland said Cobb exploited his business for online fame and hopes this arrest will urge platforms to moderate such content.
Another clip showed Cobb at Chipotle, pretending to be an employee while directing a fake cleaning crew. A worker was heard on a 911 call reporting the group’s intrusion and refusal to leave.
Cobb, who has over a million followers on TikTok and Instagram, was booked on:
5 counts of disorderly conduct
5 counts of criminal trespass
2 counts of criminal impersonation
1 count of burglary
Tempe police warn other aspiring influencers: “Getting views by disrupting businesses could land you in jail,” said Officer Ells.
The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests or charges could follow for others involved in the videos.
