DA Issues Urgent Public Safety Waring About 'Door Kick Challenge' incidents

DUTCHESS COUNTY, NY — An urgent public safety warning has been issued in Dutchess County after what authorities described as multiple incidents linked to the social media “door kick challenge” were reported.

The troubling incidents have taken place in the Town of Beekman, Town of Poughkeepsie and Town of LaGrange. The Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office, Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department are investigating.

District Attorney Anthony Parisi said the conduct is not victimless crime.

“Violently kicking the door of an occupied home, especially while masked and during the overnight hours is not a joke, a prank or harmless teenage behavior,” Parisi warned.

He said the people inside may believe someone is trying to break in, which can frighten adults and children in the home.

Parisi also said the danger can escalate quickly.

“Let there be no misunderstanding: this is dangerous criminal conduct that could get someone killed,” he said. “Someone who violently attacks the door of an occupied home cannot know how the occupants will respond. A frightened resident may reasonably believe that a home invasion is underway and may be armed or take immediate defensive action.”

According to the public safety warning, investigators are working to identify not only the people who kicked or struck doors, but also anyone who drove them, recorded the incidents, acted as a lookout or otherwise assisted or encouraged the conduct.

“Those responsible should expect to be identified, arrested and held accountable,” Parisi said.

The notice also said the District Attorney’s Office will prosecute the cases “to the fullest extent permitted by law.”

The warning urged parents and guardians to talk with children and teenagers about the risks. According to the notice, participation can lead to arrest, prosecution, financial liability for property damage, serious physical injury or death.

“No social-media post is worth a criminal prosecution or a preventable tragedy,” Parisi said.

Residents who experience this conduct are being told to call 911 immediately and remain inside in a secure location. The notice said residents should not pursue or confront the people involved, and should preserve surveillance, doorbell camera and cellphone footage. It also advised residents to record descriptions of people, vehicles, license plates and direction of travel, and to provide original footage to law enforcement before editing or posting it publicly.

Anyone with information, video footage or knowledge of those involved is being urged to contact the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office at 845-486-3800.