An Arizona police department issued a warning about a potentially harmful social media practice that involves turning off electricity boxes, kicking doors, and damaging property.
Chandler police advised parents to discuss with their kids that the practical jokes aren’t innocuous and can lead to criminal charges.
“They’re just getting weird TikTok challenges and they’re daring each other,” Angelica Proffer stated.
According to Proffer, she was subjected to similar pranks in Mesa. Her neighbors suffered as well.
“Their garage door was dented pretty bad,” Proffer described.
According to authorities, these crimes are committed by gangs of younger people as part of a nationwide TikTok challenge.
By transmitting a video of the incident to the nearby high school, Proffer, a teacher, was able to identify the teenagers who attacked her home.
“The boys that did it at our house, they didn’t even know each other. Just some kids walking by them dared them to do it,” Proffer continued. “Their parents were mortified. ‘We’ll pay for the damages. We’ll help you out. Whatever you need. If you decide to press charges, we understand.’ But they were very willing to work with us and we were grateful for that.”
Proffer chose not to file a complaint. In Chandler, other people have accepted the challenge.
“A group of juveniles arrived at a specific house and targeted them about 18 times,” Chandler Police Detective Zachary Odom stated.
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Three teenagers who were captured on camera have been charged thus far.
“So, the couple was terrified to the point where, in the end, they did move out of the residence. They were scared. They were unsure if someone was trying to break in,” Odom stated.
The Chandler couple who was targeted eighteen times was unknown to the teenagers, according to the police. According to Odom, they can be charged with harassment, disorderly conduct, and criminal damage.
