A Tempe, AZ, auto repair shop was the scene of a chaotic and alarming social media prank on July 3, when more than a dozen people dressed as mechanics and carrying tools stormed the garage in what appeared to be a hostile takeover.
David Hyland, owner of Hyland Auto Repair, said the incident began when two unfamiliar men approached his shop and claimed they were there to assume control of the business. Moments later, a white van pulled up and over a dozen individuals emerged, rushing into the shop with tire irons, impact wrenches and other tools.
“We didn’t know if it was a robbery. We didn’t know if they were going to start grabbing equipment,” Hyland told Arizona's Family. “It happened quickly.”
Security footage captured the moment the initial two men spoke with employees before the van arrived and the larger group swarmed the garage. Hyland described the intruders as wielding tools that, while typically used for automotive work, could also be perceived as weapons.
“They physically climbed under vehicles, under the hoods,” Hyland said. “There are lots of things you could get tripped on, slip and fall, vehicles in the air.”
Concerned for the safety of his staff, customers’ property and the intruders themselves, Hyland contacted police and closed the shop for the day. He later contacted customers to inspect their vehicles for potential damage caused during the invasion.
Tempe police confirmed the incident is under investigation and is believed to be connected to similar stunts at other local businesses. The content creator allegedly behind the prank, known on TikTok as Heston James, has shared videos of similar actions carried out at car dealerships and retail stores. He did not respond to inquiries from Arizona's Family.
No injuries or damages were reported, but Hyland said the experience left his team shaken.
“We had no idea what was going on,” he said. “We just wanted to make sure everyone was safe.”
