Wealthy California enclave rattled by door-kicking prank, authorities warn of danger

Aliso Viejo, a typically quiet, affluent city in Orange County south of Los Angeles, is confronting a surge of incidents tied to a viral prank in which teenagers kick in doors. Residents describe the events as dangerous and frightening, noting that several homes were targeted in a single recent night. The community, with about 50,000 residents and homes averaging near $980,000, has become a focal point for concern as authorities investigate what they describe as a dangerous trend spreading across the country.

One resident told KTLA that a balaclava-wearing teen kicked in the door of her second-floor apartment and then fled down the stairs. She said at least five neighbors faced similar disturbances that night, and one neighbor had her door broken. "These incidents are extremely dangerous because they can easily be mistaken for attempted robberies or home invasions," she said. The resident expressed concern for pets left behind and noted that the door was left hanging open. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said it is investigating the incidents and is coordinating with local law enforcement and the community as details emerge.

The spate in Aliso Viejo mirrors a growing nationwide warning about a social-media trend commonly described as a "door-kicking challenge." In May, the Fort Worth Police Department in Texas issued a public post warning residents about the prank, which often involves teens kicking or banging on doors late at night while recording for TikTok or other platforms. The department stressed that even when no burglary or theft occurs, the behavior is illegal vandalism that can lead to criminal charges and can be mistaken for an attempted break-in, potentially provoking a dangerous response from homeowners.

The warnings have continued to spread. In Volusia County, Sheriff Mike Chitwood released a blunt public-service message after a police body-camera video showed two teenagers repeatedly kicking a door in DeBary, near Orlando. The department’s posture was explicit: the behavior is not harmless and can carry serious consequences for those who participate. In Riverview, near Tampa, a teen approached a home with a group of juveniles, kicked the door, and then fired an airsoft gun at it before running away, underscoring the dangerous misreadings of seemingly minor pranks.

Houston experienced the deadliest outcome tied to the trend. In late August, an 11-year-old boy, Julian Guzman, was shot to death after taking part in a ding-dong-ditch with friends. Police identified Gonzalo Leon Jr., a 42-year-old homeowner, as the suspect who allegedly shot Guzman in the back as he ran away after ringing the doorbell; Leon was charged with murder in connection with the case. Local officials emphasized that even the perception of a home invasion can escalate into violence, particularly when firearms are involved.

A few weeks later, a separate incident in Riverview, Florida, involved a group of five teens traveling through a neighborhood. One member was armed with an airsoft rifle and fired at a front door, according to a home-security video. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister described the door-kick trend as a dangerous — and increasingly deadly — social-media stunt, urging parents to talk with their children about the risk of serious legal penalties and harm. He framed the issue as a reminder that a prank can quickly turn into a felony charge or a fatal confrontation.

Taken together, law-enforcement officials say the incidents illustrate how online challenges can spur risky, real-world behavior. In Aliso Viejo, residents have long valued security and privacy; the current episodes have prompted residents to review security measures, rely on doorbells and cameras, and rely on authorities to pursue leads while reminding families about the potential consequences of participating in the trend.

Local officials stress that investigations are ongoing, and they urge residents to report suspicious behavior immediately. They also reiterate public safety messages aimed at parents and caregivers: talk with children about the dangers of attempting pranks that involve breaking or damaging property, and avoid taking part in challenges that could be mistaken for criminal activity or provoke dangerous responses from homeowners. While the Aliso Viejo episodes may be particularly alarming due to their scale and timing, the broader pattern underscores the need for vigilance as communities navigate viral content that can propagate quickly across generations and regions.