The Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office, Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department are investigating multiple incidents in the Town of Beekman, Town of Poughkeepsie and Town of Lagrange involving the dangerous social-media trend commonly known as the “door kick challenge.”

District Attorney Anthony Parisi warned that violently kicking the door of an occupied home, especially while masked and during the overnight hours is not a joke, a prank or harmless teenage behavior. To the family inside, it may appear that individuals are attempting to force their way into the home, which can be terrifying to the adults and children who are occupying the home.

Let there be no misunderstanding: this is dangerous criminal conduct that could get someone killed.

Someone who violently attacks the door of an occupied home cannot know how the occupants will respond. A frightened resident may reasonably believe that a home invasion is underway and may be armed or take immediate defensive action. What participants intend to record as a few seconds of social-media content could end with someone being shot, seriously injured or killed.
The District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department are working together to identify every person involved. This includes not only those who kicked or struck the doors, but also anyone who drove them to the locations, recorded the incidents, acted as a lookout or otherwise assisted or encouraged the conduct.
Those responsible should expect to be identified, arrested and held accountable. The Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office will prosecute these matters to the fullest extent permitted by law. A claim that the conduct was “just a prank” or part of an online challenge will not excuse it.

Parents and guardians are urged to speak with their children and teenagers about the dangers of this criminal behavior. Participating in this conduct can result in arrest, prosecution, financial liability for property damage, serious physical injury or death. No social-media post is worth a criminal prosecution or a preventable tragedy.

Residents who experience this conduct should:

• Call 911 immediately and remain inside in a secure location.
• Do not pursue or confront the individuals.
• Preserve all surveillance, doorbell-camera and cellphone footage.
• Record descriptions of the individuals, vehicles, license plates and direction of travel.
• Provide original footage to law enforcement before editing or posting it publicly.
   

Anyone with information, video footage or knowledge of those involved should contact the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 845-486-3800.

https://crimewatch.net/sites/default/files/326340/document/2026/08/PSA%20DANGERIUS%20DOOR%20KICK%20CHALLENEGE%20INCIDENTS%20REPORTED%20IN%20DUTCHESS%20COUNTY.pdf