Franklin police say 10 people have been arrested after a series of late-night “door kick challenge” incidents targeted occupied homes.
Officers responded just after 11 p.m. on June 30 to multiple reports of people kicking or striking front doors in a neighborhood near Chestnut Lane and Liberty Pike, according to WSMV.
The incidents are tied to a social-media trend where people record themselves forcefully kicking or pounding on residential doors before running away.
The risk for residents is that a violent strike at the front door can look and sound like a break-in. Families inside have only seconds to decide whether they are facing a prank, vandalism, or an attempted home invasion.
Officers Found the Group in One Vehicle
After receiving multiple calls, Franklin police said officers flooded the area, created a perimeter, and sealed off the neighborhood.
During the response, officers found a vehicle carrying all 10 suspects. Inside the vehicle, police said they recovered a BB gun designed to closely resemble a real handgun, along with a ski mask.
Two Adults and Eight Juveniles Were Arrested
Police identified the two adults arrested as Gio Smith, 18, and Jordan Curll, 18.
Both were charged with aggravated burglary, vandalism, and contributing to the delinquency of a child. Eight additional suspects, ages 14 to 17, were taken into custody and charged in Juvenile Court with aggravated burglary, vandalism, and curfew violations.
The Police Chief Said the Trend Is Dangerous
Franklin Police Chief Deb Faulkner said the trend is “far from harmless” because it creates fear and uncertainty for families inside their homes.
Faulkner said homeowners have no way of knowing whether someone is joking or attempting to break in, and they may respond to protect themselves and their families. She urged parents to speak with children about the real consequences of social-media challenges before someone is seriously injured.
Police Are Still Reviewing Similar Reports
Investigators believe the group is likely responsible for multiple similar door-kicking incidents reported in Franklin over several nights.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police said anyone who believes they were a victim of a similar incident but has not reported it should contact the Franklin Police Department at 615-794-2513.
Door-Kick Incidents Should Be Treated as Safety Calls
Residents should not open the door or step outside to confront anyone after a late-night impact at the entrance. The safer response is to move away from the door, call 911, and give dispatchers the address, direction of travel, vehicle information, and any description captured by cameras.
After the area is secure, homeowners should save doorbell or security-camera clips before they are overwritten and check the door, frame, lock, and surrounding exterior for damage that may need to be included in a police report or insurance claim.