POUGHKEEPSIE – Law enforcement agencies in Dutchess County are investigating several incidents of the ‘door kick challenge’ in the towns of Beekman, Poughkeepsie and Lagrange that could have dangerous consequences.
This dangerous social media craze involves violently kicking the door of an occupied home, especially while masked and during the overnight hours.
District Attorney Anthony Parisi said it is not a joke or harmless teenage behavior. “To the family inside, it may appear that individuals are attempting to force their way into the home, which can be terrifying to the adults and children who are occupying the home.”
He said a frightened resident may believe it to be a home invasion and maybe armed to take defense action. “What participants intend to record as a few seconds of social-media content could end up with someone being shot, seriously injured or killed.”
The DA’s office, sheriff’s office, State Police and Poughkeepsie Town Police are working together to identify everyone involved, and that includes those who kick the doors, but also anyone who drive them there, recorded the incidents, acted as a lookout or otherwise assisted or encouraged the conduct.
Residents who experience that conduct should call 911 and stay inside; do not pursue or confront the individuals; preserve all recorded video; record descriptions of individuals vehicles, license plates and direction of travel; and provide original footage to law enforcement before editing or posting it publicly.
Anyone with information, video footage or knowledge of those involved should call the sheriff’s office immediately at 845-486-3800.
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