TikTok challenges have turned from harmless fun into criminal activity.
Kids are kicking in doors, setting themselves on fire, and now breaking into closed stores.
And a Florida teen instantly regretted livestreaming this TikTok challenge from inside a local Walmart.
Teen Caught Hiding in Dog Bed Section After Closing Time
Isaac Hurley made one critical mistake that every criminal knows not to make.
Don't broadcast your crimes live to thousands of people.
Charlotte County Sheriff's deputies responded to the Walmart on McCall Road in Englewood, Florida just after 11 p.m. on January 14 after an employee called 911.
The worker reported someone was still inside the closed store actively livestreaming on TikTok.
Deputies found 18-year-old Hurley hiding in the dog bed section.
He'd entered the store around 10:15 p.m. with plans to spend the entire night inside as part of the "24-hour Fort Overnight Challenge."
The challenge has racked up over 400,000 likes on TikTok with participants attempting to build forts and hide inside megastores like Walmart and Target overnight.
Hurley told deputies he was hoping to earn money based on the number of views his livestream generated.
While hiding in the store, Hurley also removed an iPhone charger from its packaging.
Deputies arrested Hurley on charges of burglary of an occupied structure and petit theft.
He posted a $1,500 bond and was released from the Charlotte County Jail.
Sheriff Blasts Social Media for Destroying Young Lives
Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell didn't hold back when discussing the incident.
"I'm not sure why people buy into these social media challenges when they are clearly encouraging you to violate the law," Prummell said. "From the 'kicking in the front door' challenge, to the destruction of public property thing a couple years ago, to now something as silly as this, young people especially are putting themselves in bad situations and paying the price for it."
The "Door Kick Challenge" has led to multiple arrests across Florida, California, Washington and Texas where teens forcefully bang on or kick residential doors at night then run away.
Some homeowners have mistaken the loud banging for break-ins and nearly responded with deadly force.
Other viral challenges have caused even worse damage.
The "Skull Breaker Challenge" resulted in severe head injuries and concussions when participants tricked victims into jumping so their legs could be swept out from under them.
Kids have died attempting the "Blackout Challenge" where they choke themselves until they pass out.
The "Fire Challenge" left teens with severe burns after they doused themselves in flammable liquids and set themselves ablaze.
Prummell pointed out the absurdity of these challenges targeting criminal activity instead of positive contributions.
"Why aren't any of these challenges aimed at making the world better?" Prummell asked. "Imagine mobilizing an entire generation to do positive things — the impact that could have. Instead, we are busy arresting people for making poor choices just to get views and likes. It's a shame."
Homeless Teen Chose Crime Over Seeking Help
Hurley told deputies he'd been kicked out of his home in Tennessee.
Instead of seeking help from local shelters and youth programs, the 18-year-old chose to livestream himself committing crimes.
Jesus Loves You Ministry in the Englewood area offers housing assistance specifically for young, unhoused individuals.
Florida has numerous resources available for homeless youth including housing navigators and specialized youth shelters.
But Hurley apparently thought breaking into a Walmart for TikTok views was a better option than asking for legitimate help.
These kids will do anything for internet clout.
Hurley's got a burglary conviction on his record now.
He threw away his future for a TikTok livestream that probably got 200 views.
Sheriff Prummell gets it — parents across America are watching their kids destroy themselves one viral challenge at a time, and nobody in Silicon Valley seems to care.
Sources:
- Carrie Collins, "TikTok Challenge Leads To Florida Teen's Arrest For Trying To Stay Inside Walmart Overnight," National Enquirer, January 16, 2026.
- Thad Randazzo, "Florida man arrested after trying TikTok challenge inside Walmart," WWSB, January 16, 2026.
- Caitlin McCormack, "Florida man arrested after attempting to camp out overnight at Walmart for TikTok challenge," New York Post, January 15, 2026.
- "Man arrested after attempting overnight stay at Englewood Walmart for TikTok challenge," Gulf Coast News Now, January 15, 2026.
