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St. Johns County, FL - Deputies in St. Johns County arrested three teenagers on November 23rd after they were allegedly found participating in a viral “door kick challenge."
According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the trend involves individuals running toward the front door of a home, kicking it, and then fleeing before the occupants respond.
According to the sheriff’s office report, a resident on Sweetbrier Branch Lane called authorities to report what she believed was an attempted break-in.
She told dispatchers that someone was trying to kick in her front door and noted that her husband was inside the home with a firearm in case the individuals returned.
Deputies arrived shortly after the call.
When law enforcement searched the area, deputies say they found three teenagers dressed in dark clothing and wearing gloves hiding near the residence.
The arrest report states the group had allegedly approached multiple homes in the neighborhood.
One home sustained damage to its front door consistent with someone forcefully kicking it.
The teenagers were taken into custody on suspicion of loitering and prowling.
One teen also faces a criminal mischief charge connected to the reported property damage.
Their names were not released due to their ages.
The sheriff’s office issued a warning about the dangers of the trend, noting that homeowners may interpret the act as a burglary attempt and respond with force.
Deputies said the incident shows how quickly a social media challenge can escalate into a potentially dangerous situation.