HILLSBORO, Ore. (KATU) — Law enforcement agencies are warning about a social media trend called the “door kick challenge,” saying the prank isn’t only illegal, but could be dangerous to everyone involved.
Several instances of the prank have surfaced on neighborhood groups in the Portland-metro area, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that it is taking reports of the TikTok challenge.
Resident shares video
Earlier this month, a Washington County resident said she was sitting at home watching TV when she heard a loud “BOOM” from the front door near Northeast 17th Avenue and Kathryn Street.
READ MORE | Teen who caused $10,000 of damage in ‘door kick challenge’ arrested, says police
Marta Sanchez shared video with KATU showing kids kicking her front door, then running away.
“And I heard this loud boom, like I literally thought somebody was trying to break in with a door, because it was really loud,” she said.
Sanchez said she checked her camera and saw the kids leaving. She said having a disability made the experience especially frightening because she worried about her ability to defend herself if someone came inside.
“It’s not all, it’s not fun and games like they think it is, because somebody can seriously get hurt,” she said.
Mother fears consequences
Antonina White said she worries about her daughter associating with kids who participate in the challenge. She also fears how someone inside a home could respond.
“I worry about the kids that they might knock on the wrong house and get something scary behind that door and what happens after that,” White said.
Deputies investigate damage
Washington County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. David Huey said deputies are investigating at least one incident involving significant damage to a door. He said criminal charges could follow and those involved appeared to be juveniles.
KATU has not confirmed whether that investigation involves the incident captured in Sanchez’s video.
Huey said the behavior goes beyond ringing a doorbell and running away. A resident could perceive the kicking as a threat, and a pet could react aggressively if the door opens.
“You know, it could certainly be scary, and it’s difficult to predict how the other person on that door might react,” he said.
Parents urged to talk with kids
Huey urged parents to discuss the consequences with their children.
“And if you’re a parent that’s watching, we want you to talk to your kids about that and discourage them from participating in this type of behavior,” he said.
He also said some residents are sharing incidents on neighborhood social media groups without reporting them to law enforcement. He encouraged residents to contact nonemergency dispatch, or call 911 when appropriate, so deputies can respond.
Father defends witnesses’ claims
KATU also spoke with the father of a boy who witnesses said has been kicking doors. KATU has not confirmed whether his son is among the kids in the video Sanchez shared.
“Kids are kids. At least he is not doing drugs or breaking in,” the father told KATU.
He also said he would rather speak with the sheriff’s office before speaking with the news.
