The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office reported that the involved teens, aged 13 and 14, were taken into custody on charges of loitering and prowling. This incident is a stark reminder of the potential consequences of engaging in reckless online trends that blur the lines between harmless fun and criminal activity.

The teenagers’ antics were caught on a home security camera, which provided clear evidence of their participation in the “challenge.” The footage shows an unsettling scene where the homeowner felt compelled to contact law enforcement, fearing that someone was trying to forcibly enter their house.

During the 911 call, the distressed homeowner informed authorities that the teenagers appeared unarmed. However, she mentioned that her husband was prepared to defend their home, holding a weapon “in case they come back.” This highlights the potential dangers these viral challenges pose, not only to participants but to unsuspecting residents as well.

While social media trends often provide entertainment, this incident underscores the importance of understanding the risks involved. It serves as a cautionary tale for young people to think twice before participating in such challenges, as they can lead to unintended legal and safety repercussions.

On Nov. 23, 2025, three teenagers were arrested by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO) after allegedly participating in the “door kick challenge.” (St Johns County Sheriff’s Office)

Deputies responded to the property and located three teenagers dressed in dark clothing and gloves, hiding near the victims’ home.

“Show me your hands! How old are you?” one deputy was heard asking the three teens.

“Fourteen,” two said.

“Thirteen,” the third suspect said as they were ushered into the police SUV.

A deputy was then heard asking the teens if they wanted to “catch a felony today.”

“What the hell are you guys doing out here acting like this?” the deputy asked.

“Just being stupid,” one teen responded.

“You guys want to get shot by a homeowner when you’re kicking their front door, and they think you’re breaking in to kill them?” an officer was recorded asking the teens in body camera footage. “Because it will be justified. They don’t even go to prison and you’re 6 feet under.”

The teens were charged with loitering and prowling; one also faces a charge of criminal mischief for damaging the door. (St. Johns Sheriff’s Office)

According to SJSO, the teenagers went to multiple homes in the neighborhood, causing damage to the front door of one of the homes.

The three teens were arrested and charged with loitering and prowling. SJSO said that due to the damage caused to the front door of the homes, one of the teens was also charged with criminal mischief.

“This ‘challenge’ is not a harmless prank. As you heard in the audio, the complainants were armed, waiting at the front door to shoot the possible intruder. Participating in this criminal act has serious and possibly life-changing consequences,” the department said.

“Parents and guardians – please talk to your children and teenagers about the dangers of this behavior,” they said. “SJSO will not tolerate any participation in these challenges. We are prepared to arrest and charge individuals involved, regardless of age.”

When deputies arrived, they found the teens — two 14-year-olds and one 13-year-old — dressed in dark clothes and gloves, hiding nearby. (St. Johns Sheriff’s Office)

The “door kick challenge” has spread on social media, with participants – mostly teenagers – aggressively banging on random residential doors, often at night, then running away.

Though reminiscent of the traditional “ding-dong ditch” prank, this challenge has escalated to significant property damage and caused police departments across the country to warn teens of the potentially dangerous consequences.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the SJSO for comment.