A video captured the moment three teens were arrested after participating in the viral social media “door kick challenge” on a Florida home, according to authorities.
The teens were busted on Nov. 23 after a homeowner called the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office about a possible burglary in progress, reporting that someone was “attempting to kick their door in,” the department said in a statement.
“My husband was going to open the door with our gun, but he did not … His weapon is, yeah, it’s in hand in case they come back,” the frightened homeowner told an emergency operator in audio posted by police.
Footage then showed police swarm in and locate the three teens, dressed in “dark clothing and gloves,” hiding near the home, who identified themselves to cops as two 14-year-olds and one 13-year-old.
The three youngsters were cuffed and thrown in the back of a squad car, the clip showed.
“You guys want to get shot by a homeowner when you’re kicking their door, and they think you’re breaking in to kill them?” an officer asked the teens in the footage.
“No sir,” one replied.
“It’ll be justified, they don’t even go to prison, and you’re six feet under,” the officer said.
The teens appeared to be participating in the viral TikTok “door kick” challenge, which involves running up to homes, kicking front doors, and fleeing before a resident can catch them, police said.
The dangerous stunt is reminiscent of “ding dong ditch,” a prank that allegedly led to homeowner Gonzalo Leon Jr. fatally gunning down 11-year-old Julian Guzman in August.
Deputies arrested the unidentified teens on suspicion of loitering and prowling. One of them was also charged with criminal mischief for damaging the front door, police said.
“This ‘challenge’ is not a harmless prank,” the sheriff’s office wrote.
“As you heard in the audio, the complainants were armed, waiting at the front door to shoot the possible intruder. Participating in this criminal act has serious and possibly life-changing consequences.”
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