Sex Assault Investigation On Peninsula Prompted By Internet Trend

SAN BRUNO, CA — San Bruno police are investigating a recent sexual assault in town that has been linked to a disturbing internet trend, officials said Thursday. Now, they are warning the public of the "Thousand Years of Death" act.

According to a police news release, juveniles were caught last week "engaging in behavior that has serious consequences."

"Investigators have learned that this behavior involves emulating an animated character who performs a martial arts maneuver in which fingers are forcefully inserted in the rectal area of an unsuspecting victim," police said. "The act is commonly referred to as the 'Thousand Years of Death' that has become popular via the internet."

Police did not provide many details related to the San Bruno incident, but said it "was serious enough to merit an arrest for felony sexual assault violations." The agency said they are sharing information about the act to help raise awareness.

"Committing this act against another is a serious violation that can have a lasting impact on the lives of both the victim and the suspect," police said. "For the victim, this assault is extremely violating and causes a great deal of physical and emotional trauma. For the suspect, who may think that they are simply playing a prank, there can be serious criminal charges that will follow them for many years to come. Our hope is that by sharing this information, we can help put a stop to this behavior immediately."

Anyone who may have information related to the San Bruno incident, or any others, is asked to call police at (650) 616-7100.