The teens admitted to deputies they acted in response to "The Door Kick Challenge," a social media trend, according to the sheriff's office.
SPRING HILL, Fla. — Two teens were arrested on multiple counts of burglary after damaging doors at four homes in response to a social media trend in Hernando County, authorities said.
Over the last two weeks, Hernando deputies received four reports of the teens walking up to the front door of a home in Spring Hill and kicking the door, causing damage, according to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies said in some cases, the impact of the kick would cause the doors to fly open.
During questioning, the two teens, who reportedly live within walking distance of the homes they targeted, admitted to kicking the doors in response to a social media trend called "The Door Kick Challenge."
Media Release
Tips Generated from HCSO Facebook Post Leads to Arrest of Teen ‘Kick-In’ Burglary Suspects– 2024-00172258
Date: June 13, 2024
With tips provided by residents who follow the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, two juvenile males were recently identified and arrested on multiple counts of Burglary of a Dwelling.
Over the last two weeks, deputies in Spring Hill have taken four reports where during the early morning hours unknown individuals walked up to the front door of a residence and kicked the door causing damage. In some cases, the impact from the kicks caused the door to fly open.
The two suspects were identified as Brody Abdon DOB/09-12-2008 and Gavyn Trapp DOB/03-17-2009.
Post Miranda both suspects, who live in walking distance of the four reported incidents, admitted to kicking the front doors of all four homes.
Brody told detectives they kicked the doors in response to a trend they observed on social media called the “Door Kick Challenge.” He further advised they never intended to make entry into any of the homes.
Following questioning both Brody and Gavyn were arrested on four counts of Burglary of a Dwelling.
They were transported to the Hernando County Detention Center where after processing they released into the custody of their parents as directed by the Department of Juvenile Justice.
“This situation was exceptionally dangerous on several levels,” said Sheriff Al Nienhuis. “First, there was a very good possibility that these young men could have been shot and killed by a homeowner lawfully defending the household. Second, if this occurred, the homeowner would have been burdened with the fact he or she killed two teenagers who were participating in a stupid activity.”
Hernando County Crime Stoppers / Anonymous Tips
If you have information on this case, please contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers. You will remain anonymous!
Hernando County Crime Stoppers can be reached by phone at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or **TIPS from a cell phone.
You may also submit your tip via the internet at http://www.hernandocountycrimestoppers.com .
You will remain anonymous and also be eligible for a reward up to $5,000 cash!
Posted by Hernando County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, June 13, 2024
Popular on TikTok, "The Door Kick Challenge" involves teens going around neighborhoods and recording themselves kicking the doors of innocent homeowners, according to a report from WBZ News Radio.
The incident in Hernando County isn't the only instance of teens being arrested for participating in the trend. In March, five juveniles were arrested after kicking a door at a home in Greenwood, Indiana, Fox59 said in a report.
Hernando County deputies arrested the two teens on four counts of burglary of a dwelling, the sheriff's office said on Facebook. They have since been released into the custody of their parents by the Department of Juvenile Justice.
“This situation was exceptionally dangerous on several levels,” Sheriff Al Nienhuis said in a statement. “First, there was a very good possibility that these young men could have been shot and killed by a homeowner lawfully defending the household. Second, if this occurred, the homeowner would have been burdened with the fact he or she killed two teenagers who were participating in a stupid activity.”
