Transcription
911. Where is your emergency?
>> Someone just tried to kick in our front door.
>> This morning, three Florida teenagers participating in the viral door kick challenge might not find the trend funny anymore after their alleged participation in it landed them in police custody.
>> Show me your hand.
>> Show me your hand.
>> We don't have anything.
Authorities say the suspects caught on camera acting out the challenge that involves running up to the door of an unsuspecting resident and kicking it as hard as possible, running away before anyone answers.
>> And did you see any weapons?
>> No, but my my husband was going to open the door with our gun, but he did not.
The challenge itself racking up millions of views on social media as law enforcement departments across the country say these seemingly harmless jokes can turn dangerous, even deadly.
>> You guys want to get shot by a homeowner when you kick in their front door and they think you're breaking in to kill them?
>> Yes, sir.
The St. John's County Sheriff's Office says the group went to multiple homes in the neighborhood. They've been charged with loitering and prowling. And due to alleged property damage, one of the juveniles was also charged with criminal mischief.
And just to underscore how these types of incidents can turn violent, back in September, 11-year-old Julian Gomez was fatally shot doing a similar ding-dong ditch prank in Houston. 42-year-old Army veteran Gonzalo Leon Jr. is now facing murder charges. So, this is no longer the harmless prank that it used to seem to be when we were all kids. This has turned much more serious.
>> Not harmless at all.
>> Yeah, very dangerous. All right, thank you for that, Rian.