Two teenagers from Florida were recently arrested after they were caught on surveillance video kicking in the doors of residents’ homes as part of a social media challenge. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office reported that the two 15-year-olds were arrested on multiple counts of burglary of a dwelling after they confessed to kicking in the front doors of four homes in the area. The incidents occurred over the course of two weeks in Spring Hill, where unknown individuals were seen walking up to homes during the early morning hours and causing damage by kicking the doors open.
Deputies mentioned that the impact of the kicks was strong enough to make the doors fly open in some cases. Both boys, who lived near the homes they targeted, admitted to the acts. One of the teenagers explained to detectives that they were inspired by a trend they saw on social media called the “Door Kick Challenge.” Despite their actions, they claimed that they never intended to enter any of the homes they targeted.
The sheriff of Hernando County, Al Nienhuis, expressed his concerns about the dangerous nature of the situation. He mentioned that the teenagers could have faced serious consequences, including being shot by a homeowner defending their property. The sheriff emphasized the potential risks involved in such activities and the serious implications that could follow.
The trend of kicking or knocking on doors late at night has gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, where multiple videos of similar acts have been shared. Known as the “Door Kick Challenge,” this trend has raised alarms among law enforcement officials due to the potential dangers and risks it poses to both participants and homeowners.
Following their arrest, both teens were charged with four counts of burglary of a dwelling. They were taken to the Hernando County Detention Center for processing before being released into the custody of their parents. The incident serves as a reminder of the influence of social media trends on the behavior of individuals, especially young people, and the importance of being aware of the potential consequences of participating in such challenges. It also highlights the need for parents and guardians to monitor their children’s online activities and educate them about responsible behavior both online and offline.