Viral door-kicking prank caught on camera in North Fort Myers highlights risk of confrontation

A North Fort Myers homeowner captured two teens on security footage banging on their garage door late at night before fleeing on an e-bike, in what authorities say is part of a viral social media trend known as the "door-kicking challenge." Around 11 p.m., Ray Woolf and his wife were startled by the loud noise, which woke up their 5-year-old daughter. Woolf said the incident left them fearing for their safety. "Your mind starts to go a little bit, and you don't know if it's an intruder trying to get in. I have a family. I start preparing for the worst," Woolf said. The couple reviewed their security footage and saw the teens fleeing the scene. Woolf expressed concern about the potential risks of such pranks. "There could be kids past curfew with ill intent or innocent intent. There could be damage to the property, or for that matter, kidnapping or murder, for that matter," Woolf said. The "door-kicking challenge," which has gained traction on social media platforms like TikTok, involves teens banging, kicking, or even body-slamming doors, often late at night. Videos of these pranks are frequently shared online, and parents in the North Fort Myers neighborhood said the Woolf home wasn't the only target. The Lee County Sheriff's Office warned about the dangers of such pranks, emphasizing the potential for serious consequences. "We want to remind parents and guardians that what may begin as a prank can quickly escalate into dangerous situations. Homeowners may take unexpected activity at their doors as a potential threat, increasing the risk of confrontations, calls to law enforcement, or accidental injury," the sheriff’s office said in a statement. Tips on Handling Teen Door Kicking For homeowners Stay inside and don’t pursue anyone. Avoid opening the door or confronting people outside; a frightened reaction can escalate the situation. Check from a safe place. Use a doorbell camera or window if you can do so without putting yourself at risk, and note the time, direction of travel or other useful details. Call for help when needed. Call 911 if you believe there’s an immediate threat; otherwise, contact local police to report repeated incidents and ask what they recommend. For parents Talk about how it can look from inside the home. A loud bang followed by someone running away may feel threatening to the person who lives there. Set a clear rule: don’t approach or hit someone’s home as a prank. Explain that a person may react unpredictably, and a prank can quickly become dangerous. If your child has taken part, focus on accountability. Talk through what happened, have them stop, and consider an apology or another way to make amends if it’s safe and appropriate. Authorities urge residents to report suspicious activity and avoid confronting people involved in these pranks. Deputies recommend staying inside and letting law enforcement handle the situation to prevent escalation. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV