Dutchess County authorities warn of dangerous ‘door kick challenge’ incidents
Incidents reported in Beekman, LaGrange and Town of Poughkeepsie as officials warn social media trend could turn deadly.
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Authorities in Dutchess County are warning residents and parents about a dangerous social media trend known as the “door kick challenge” after multiple incidents were reported in three communities.
The Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office says incidents are under investigation in the towns of Beekman, LaGrange and Poughkeepsie.
The challenge involves people violently kicking or striking the doors of occupied homes and then running away, sometimes while masked and during overnight hours.
District Attorney Anthony Parisi says what participants may view as a prank can appear to the people inside as an attempted home invasion.
“Let there be no misunderstanding: this is dangerous criminal conduct that could get someone killed,” Parisi said.
The DA’s office says a frightened homeowner could believe a break-in is underway and take immediate defensive action, potentially resulting in someone being seriously injured or killed.
The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department are working with the DA’s office to investigate the incidents and identify those involved.
Authorities say their investigation is not limited to the people accused of kicking or striking the doors. Anyone who drove participants to the locations, recorded the incidents, acted as a lookout or otherwise assisted could also face consequences.
Officials are urging parents and guardians to speak with children and teenagers about the risks. Participants could face arrest, prosecution and financial liability for property damage.
Similar incidents have been reported in communities across the country.
Last year, News 12 reported on the trend after several homes were targeted in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. Surveillance video captured one of those incidents, in which people were seen approaching and kicking the door of a home before running away.
Residents who experience an incident are being told to call 911, remain inside in a secure location and not pursue or confront those involved. Authorities also recommend preserving surveillance and doorbell-camera footage and documenting descriptions of people, vehicles, license plates and their direction of travel.
Anyone with information or video related to the Dutchess County incidents is asked to contact the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office at 845-486-3800.
