'Stupid activity': 2 Hernando teens arrested for breaking down house doors to defy social media

HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Two teenagers were arrested and face multiple charges after they were caught kicking in the doors of several Hernando County homes over a social media challenge .

Over the past two weeks, deputies responded to four reports that unknown persons walked up to the front door of homes in Spring Hill early in the morning and kicked in the doors of the homes, causing damage.

In some cases, the kicks were so violent that the door flew open, the Hernando County Sheriff's Office said.

After receiving information on Facebook, the sheriff's office identified the suspects. The boys, who both live within walking distance of the homes, admitted to kicking in the front doors of all four homes, HCSO said.

The boys told detectives they kicked down the doors after seeing a trend on social media called “Door Kick Challenge,” adding that they never intended to enter any of the homes.

The two 15-year-olds were arrested on four counts of burglary of a dwelling, HCSO said. They were taken to the Hernando County Detention Center for processing and were later released to their parents.

“This situation was exceptionally dangerous on many levels,” Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis said in a statement. “First, there was a very good chance that these young men were shot and killed by a homeowner legally defending the home. Second, if this had happened, the owner would have been charged with killing two teenagers who were participating in a stupid activity.

Anyone with more information about these incidents is asked to contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-8477.