Sleepy Hollow police warn homeowners about dangerous teen door-kicking social media trend on TikTok
Share this @internewscast.com

SLEEPY HOLLOW, Ill. (WLS) — Authorities issued a fresh alert on Friday regarding a social media trend gaining popularity. Teens are engaging in a new prank where they kick in doors of residences and then flee.

The teens might think it’s just a prank, but Sleepy Hollow police say it could have serious consequences.

ABC7 spoke to one homeowner that fell victim to it.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Just a bit past 2 a.m., Anne Ybarra was roused by a loud crash in her home. Initially, she assumed that a fallen tree had struck the house.

Upon further investigation, she realized that her front door had been forcefully broken. Her Ring security footage showed four teenagers fleeing the scene after the incident.

“You can see kids running up to the house, the noise of them trying to break through my front door,” Ybarra said.

The teens could be heard laughing afterward on the security camera video.

Ybarra soon discovered that she was merely the first of no fewer than two victims that evening. As reported by the police, the group targeted one other residence in Sleepy Hollow, breaking in during the night.

RELATED | Sheriff warns families about viral door kicking challenge: ‘Good way to end up dead’

It may have been a prank, but police say it could have serious consequences.

“This was kids being criminal,” Sleepy Hollow Police Chief Sam Parma said. “It was not kids being kids.”

The police chief noted that this appears to be linked to a TikTok challenge that has been spreading in various cities across the nation. He suspects all the individuals involved are teenagers and mentioned that they got lucky since no homeowner confronted them with a firearm.

In addition to the security video, police say there may be eyewitnesses as well.

Ybarra mentioned that the cost to fix the door amounted to several thousand dollars, though she is more troubled by the loss of safety and peace in her community, all due to what they considered a joke.

“One of the kids had a cell phone turned on, backed up the idea maybe they were doing this for a TikTok,” Ybarra said.

There was a $1,000 reward being offered for information about the suspects. The police chief says if they turn themselves in, they will be charged with misdemeanors, but if police find them first, the charge will be a felony.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Artist Ben Wahhh of Deluxe Tattoo started Ink Relief Program with Salt and Light Coalition to help domestic violence survivors

Empowering Survivors: Ben Wahhh’s Ink Relief Program Transforms Lives Through Art and Healing

CHICAGO (WLS) — As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October,…
Wyoming Capitol bomb investigators focus on men seen in security video

Investigators Zero In on Individuals Captured in Security Footage in Wyoming Capitol Bomb Probe

Investigators in Wyoming are on the hunt for two individuals suspected of…
Vermont police search for student who vanished from Middlebury College

Vermont Authorities Intensify Search for Missing Middlebury College Student

Authorities in Vermont have initiated an extensive search for a missing senior…
Virginia Giuffre’s memoir reveals how Epstein, Maxwell ‘broke down’ girls step by step in psychological war

Virginia Giuffre’s Memoir Exposes Epstein and Maxwell’s Chilling Tactics in Systematic Psychological Manipulation

Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s first encounter with Jeffrey Epstein’s pink-hued mansion in Palm…
Pardoned Capitol rioter charged with threatening to kill Hakeem Jeffries

From Pardon to Peril: Capitol Rioter Now Accused of Threatening Hakeem Jeffries

Ahead of a planned speech by Congressman Hakeem Jeffries in New York…
Kim Iversen Highlights Assault Allegations in Giuffre’s Memoir

Kim Iversen Sheds Light on Explosive Assault Allegations in Virginia Giuffre’s Revealing Memoir

During a recent episode of The Kim Iversen Show, independent journalist Kim Iversen…
Woman charged with abandoning newborn child at NYC subway stop

Newborn Found Abandoned at NYC Subway: Woman Faces Charges

Authorities in New York City have apprehended a woman accused of leaving…
New take on twisted '90s thriller 'The Hand that Rocks the Cradle' stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Maika Monroe

Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Maika Monroe Lead Riveting Remake of 90s Thriller ‘The Hand that Rocks the Cradle

In Hollywood, a fresh reimagining of a classic thriller is making waves.…
Luigi Mangione claims he was beaten by seven 'ladyboys' in Thailand months before CEO killing: report

Shocking Twist: Luigi Mangione Alleges Assault by ‘Ladyboys’ in Thailand Before High-Profile CEO Murder

Luigi Mangione, once a promising Ivy League student, is now embroiled in…
Australian prime minister's plane makes emergency landing in St. Louis after leaving Washington

Australian Prime Minister’s Plane Makes Safe Emergency Landing in St. Louis Following Departure from Washington

On Tuesday night, a flight carrying Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had…
The 22-day government shutdown is now the second-longest in US history

Historic Standoff: Unpacking the 22-Day Government Shutdown and Its Impact

The longest government shutdown on record spanned 35 days during the first…
Sonya Massey trial: Opening statements begin in trial of former Illinois Deputy Dean Grayson, accused of murder

High-Profile Illinois Trial Begins: Former Deputy Dean Grayson Faces Murder Charges

In Peoria, Illinois, the trial of Sean Grayson commenced on Wednesday with…