FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) charged five juveniles after a front door was kicked in at a home in Fort Walton Beach over the weekend.
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Deputies said the juveniles approached the residence, forced the door open, and then fled on foot. The homeowner is said to have provided surveillance video showing the group at the front door.
The juveniles admitted to damaging the door at random and told deputies they were mimicking a social media challenge in which participants kick open strangers’ doors. Investigators said the victim had no connection to the group.
“This has been a dangerous and illegal social media trend,” said Sheriff Eric Aden.
“It puts everyone involved at serious risk. We’re asking parents to please discuss the dangers of this trend with their children to prevent a potential tragedy.”
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The OCSO said all five juveniles have been criminally charged.
