Two 15-year-old teens from Florida have been identified and arrested by the Hernando County Sheriff's Office after being caught on surveillance video kicking in the doors of residents' homes as part of a social media challenge.
According to authorities, the teens were arrested on multiple counts of burglary of a dwelling after admitting to kicking in the front doors of four homes in Spring Hill. Deputies had been investigating reports of unknown individuals causing damage to doors by kicking them during the early morning hours.
The impact of the kicks was so forceful that in some instances, the doors flew open. Both boys, who lived near the targeted homes, confessed to the acts of vandalism.
One of the teens revealed to detectives that they were inspired by a trend on social media known as the 'Door Kick Challenge.' This challenge, which has gained popularity on platforms like TikTok, involves individuals kicking or knocking on doors late at night.
Sheriff Al Nienhuis expressed grave concern over the situation, highlighting the potential dangers involved. He emphasized that the teens could have been seriously harmed if homeowners had taken defensive actions, mistaking them for intruders. Additionally, he pointed out the emotional toll it would have taken on a homeowner who had to defend their property against teenagers engaging in reckless behavior.
Both teens were arrested on four counts of burglary of a dwelling and were subsequently processed at the Hernando County Detention Center before being released into the custody of their parents.
