What started as a viral dare ended in handcuffs this week, as Franklin police arrested 10 people after a run of late-night “door kick” incidents that rattled homeowners across town. Officers say the most recent scare hit on the night of June 30 near Chestnut Lane and Liberty Pike, where a flurry of 911 calls led them to a vehicle packed with ten people. Two of them are 18, according to police, and the other eight are juveniles now facing a mix of felony and juvenile charges.
How Police Say They Tracked The Packed Car
Detectives told reporters they linked everyone inside that vehicle to security footage that shows front doors being kicked or struck while residents were home. Investigators say the video matched up with the location and timing of the calls near Chestnut Lane and Liberty Pike.
According to police, two adults, identified as Gio Smith, 18, and Jordan Curll, 18, were booked on aggravated burglary, vandalism and contributing to the delinquency of a child. Eight juveniles, ages 14 to 17, were cited on aggravated burglary, vandalism and curfew violations. Anyone with information was asked to contact Franklin Police at 615-794-2513, according to WSMV.
Chief Warns Of 'Very Real Consequences'
Franklin Police Chief Deb Faulkner did not mince words, warning that the online challenge “is far from harmless” and that kicking the door of an occupied home can spark panic, injury or worse. She urged parents to talk with their kids about the risks and the “very real consequences” that come with chasing viral stunts, according to police.
The department added that detectives are still combing through video, fielding tips and working to connect this group to other incidents reported in the area, per WSMV.
Door-Kick Trend Spreads Across Tennessee
The so-called “door kick” challenge has not been limited to Franklin. Earlier this month, a June incident in Mt. Juliet shook a family and left their door frame split. As reported in masked midnight marauders rattle Mt. Juliet family, security video from that case shows masked figures sprinting off a porch after the strike.
National outlets have chronicled similar episodes and arrests tied to the craze. Reporting from the Sacramento Bee and others notes that law enforcement agencies around the country are treating many of these incidents as vandalism, trespassing or more serious offenses, and are strongly urging residents to save their footage and call police instead of confronting anyone at the door.
What The Charges Mean
The adults arrested in Franklin face potential felony exposure. Under Tennessee law, aggravated burglary of a habitation is prosecuted as a Class C felony. Charges of contributing to the delinquency of a child are handled under the juvenile statutes and may carry separate penalties or juvenile outcomes, depending on the case.
For statute text and summaries, see Tennessee burglary law and juvenile code resources at the state’s state code and FindLaw.
Police say the investigation remains active as detectives follow leads and review doorbell and security camera clips. Residents with recordings have been urged to preserve them and turn them over to investigators instead of confronting suspected pranksters. Franklin police say they plan to pursue criminal charges wherever the evidence supports it and are encouraging families to talk with teens now, before a late-night dare turns into a trip to juvenile court.
