A popular and dangerous trend suspected among youth and young adults is sounding alarms for the Coeur d’Alene Police Department and city officials.

Called the “door kick challenge,” the police department warned residents on social media this week about a prank that encourages individuals, primarily juveniles and young adults, to run up to homes, kick or strike front and garage doors, then flee before being identified.

“While some participants may view the activity as a prank, the behavior creates fear among residents, causes property damage, and has the potential to result in serious confrontations,” the police department said in a press release. “Residents who hear loud banging or kicking at their doors during late-night or early-morning hours may reasonably believe someone is attempting to force entry into their home.”

The police department is currently investigating 15 separate incidents of this “door kick challenge” behavior, which suspects then post to social media platforms, reported over the past several months. Not all incidents are reported, and the actual number is likely much higher.

The Coeur d'Alene Police Department reminds the public that kicking, damaging, or attempting to damage another person's property may constitute criminal offenses and can result in criminal charges. Parents are encouraged to discuss the risks and consequences of participating in social media challenges with their children and teenagers.

“The department encourages residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. Homeowners with security cameras are encouraged to review footage and report any incidents to law enforcement,” according to the police department. “If residents observe suspicious behavior or believe a crime is occurring, they should contact law enforcement immediately.”

The first nationwide reports of the “door kick challenge” date back to 2001. What started as a college challenge encouraging individuals to kick in dorm room and apartment unit entrances helped popularize what it is today.

According to nationwide police reports, there are instances in which this prank has resulted in death. Teenagers in places like Texas, Virginia and California have been killed by gun-carrying homeowners mistaking them for intruders. 

In response to reports of people carrying out the “door kick challenge,” Coeur d’Alene Mayor Dan Gookin said, “I think kids who play stupid games win stupid prizes.”

“We don’t have a lot of home invasions here,” Gookin said. “But we have a lot of paranoid people.”

Gookin worries that measures could escalate during one of these incidents, saying, “boom, that kid’s gone.”

Speaking to the overall trend of these types of pranks, like the “Tide Pod challenge” where youth consumed toxic laundry detergent pods on camera, Gookin said the people carrying them out seem to “Darwin out.”

“Come by my house,” he said. “We got lots of security camera and we got lots of guns."

Anyone with information about the identity of individuals or information related to this type of behavior is encouraged to contact the Coeur d'Alene Police Department at 208-769-2320. In emergencies or situations involving immediate threats to safety, call 911.