Phoenix police arrest teen for $10,000 door-kicking prank

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested in Phoenix following a social media trend known as the ‘door kick challenge,’ where participants kick or pound on residential doors and flee. Investigators linked the teenager to an incident on September 12 near 44th Street and Thunderbird Road, where two individuals arrived in a red Ford pickup and kicked in a front door, causing approximately $10,000 in property damage.

The investigation expanded after detectives determined the red pickup used in the incident had been reported stolen from Scottsdale. Additionally, police stated the juvenile was linked to the theft of another vehicle reported out of Phoenix.

The suspect was taken into custody on September 13 and booked into the Durango Juvenile Detention Facility on allegations of criminal damage and unlawful use of transportation. The homeowner reported that the damage was extensive, requiring the replacement of the door and the surrounding frame with a new steel door.