“Door Kick Challenge” Video Leads to Property Damage
CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign Police Department wishes to alert the community of a social media trend that was recently observed in our community. “Door Kick Challenge” videos have the potential for property damage and danger to residents, and the Champaign Police Department urges area residents not to engage in such reckless and dangerous activities.
These videos, made popular through social media app TikTok, feature a person aggressively kicking the front door of a residence, often kicking the door open in the middle of the night. While this trend has been circulating online since fall of 2021, only recently has the Champaign Police Department been made aware of these incidents occurring locally.
At 10:01 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, officers responded to an incident tied to a “Door Kick Challenge” video in the 1700 block of Valley Road. As Police investigated the scene, another door was reportedly kicked in nearby. Through their efforts, officers were able to locate a group of juvenile offenders. One of these individuals was detained for questioning in the incidents. The individual was later released to parents. The case remains under investigation.
Parents are encouraged to talk to their teens about the dangers of following destructive internet trends and the consequences they could face in doing so. Individuals found engaging in these activities could face criminal charges, including misdemeanors and even felonies under certain conditions.
“These videos might be a joke to some, but they cause real property damage that hurts real people in our community,” said Interim Chief of Police Thomas Petrilli. “Beyond the disturbance it causes others, individuals who engage in this behavior could face criminal charges that could follow them for years to come.”
Area residents who have been victimized by this trend are encouraged to immediately report the incident to police by calling 9-1-1.