Irvine Police Probe 7 Vandalism Cases in 20-Plus Door Kick Challenge Calls

Q: Could a viral social media prank land your teenager a felony charge and a $10,000 fine under California vandalism laws?

Yes. In California, a teen who takes part in the “Door Kick Challenge” could face a felony vandalism charge if prosecutors say the kick maliciously damaged someone else’s door and the repair cost reaches at least $400. Under Penal Code section 594, vandalism covers intentionally damaging, destroying, or defacing property that is not your own. The key issue is usually the damage amount. If the loss is under $400, the case is generally a misdemeanor. If it is $400 or more, the offense becomes a “wobbler,” meaning it can be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony. That is where the felony and fine exposure comes in. For damage of $400 or more, a felony filing can carry 16 months, two years, or three years in county jail, plus a fine of up to $10,000. Courts can also order restitution to pay for repairs. If the damage is less than $400, the case is usually punished as a misdemeanor, with lower fine exposure and up to a year in county jail. Whether charges stick depends on proof of intent, identity, and the repair estimate. Video from doorbell cameras, social media posts, witness accounts, and contractor estimates can all be used as evidence. Paying for the damage may help in resolution, but it does not automatically prevent charges. For juveniles, the case would usually go through juvenile court rather than adult court, but the legal consequences can still be serious, including probation, restitution, community service, and a record.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Nov 13

More than 20 Irvine calls since October have been tied to the viral "Door Kick Challenge," with seven incidents escalating into vandalism cases now under investigation by the department's Youth Services Unit.
Surveillance videos released by police show groups running up to homes, pounding on doors and kicking them before fleeing, a stunt authorities say can damage property and trigger dangerous confrontations with frightened residents.
Officer Ziggy Azarcon said reports have risen over the past month even though the prank has circulated for years, prompting police to urge parents to warn children that online "likes" can bring criminal charges or serious injury.
The warning follows a Nov. 7 Boise shooting in which a 15-year-old was wounded during a "ding-dong ditch" prank, and a 2025 Houston case in which an 11-year-old later died after a similar door-knocking incident.