A popular TikTok creator is now behind bars after police say his so-called “prank” videos escalated into a months-long series of criminal disruptions across Arizona.
Arrest and Charges
21-year-old Heston Cobb, better known online as Heston James, was arrested on July 23 after authorities linked him to multiple incidents where he allegedly posed as an employee at local businesses and staged chaotic situations for social media content.
Officials say Cobb’s antics weren’t harmless entertainment but deliberate acts that endangered employees and customers alike. He now faces felony charges for his involvement in what police have described as “planned criminal mischief disguised as pranks.”
Police Response: “These Videos Are Not Pranks”
Tempe Police Department officers condemned the stunts, noting how they went far beyond comedy.
“These videos are definitely not pranks,” one officer said. “They’re crossing the line from something fun and playful into criminal territory. They’re breaking laws.”
Pattern of Disruptive Behavior
Investigators revealed that Cobb’s videos frequently involved him impersonating staff, interfering with store operations, and creating panic for unsuspecting bystanders—all captured for his growing TikTok audience. Some incidents required police intervention and resulted in business losses.
Authorities stated that Cobb’s desire for viral fame “put real people in danger,” adding that his actions displayed “a blatant disregard for public safety.”
Social Media Reaction
The arrest has sparked debate online, with some defending Cobb’s content as harmless entertainment, while others argue it highlights the dark side of social media fame and the lengths some will go for viral attention.
Key Details:
- Suspect: Heston Cobb, 21 (TikTok handle: Heston James)
- Location: Arizona (multiple cities, including Tempe)
- Charges: Felony counts linked to staged “pranks” and disruptions
- Arrest Date: July 23, 2025
Authorities have warned that similar social media-driven stunts will be prosecuted to the fullest extent, signaling a crackdown on influencers whose “pranks” blur the line between entertainment and crime.
