Published Jan 28, 2026, 12:38 PM EST
Anthony is a news reporter and a guide writer who has covered the entertainment industry for five years. He has covered a wide range of genres, including aviation incidents and international crime, and has a keen eye for details that may slip under the radar.
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Authorities in Florida have arrested a 14-year-old after he reportedly participated in a door-kicking prank. His actions spooked a small dog on the premises, which was later involved in a traffic accident.
The Volusia County Sheriff's Office posted a news release about the incident on January 27. Authorities revealed that they arrested Jerald "Trey" Lucas, 14, on burglary and criminal mischief charges. The incident occurred in December, and the release alleges it "led to a dog's death in Deltona." Officers reportedly arrested Lucas at school and charged him with felony and misdemeanor charges.
The news release explains that the victim arrived at her home during the night on December 20. She discovered that someone had kicked in her front door, and her 3-year-old Yorkshire terrier, 'Spookie,' was missing. Spookie was later found along the side of the road and was "apparently hit by traffic" when he got loose.
Investigators identified several juveniles who allegedly went out to play "ding-dong-ditch" after a party in the neighborhood. Per USA Today, ding-dong-ditch is a decades-old prank where someone knocks on a stranger's door or rings the doorbell and runs away before the homeowner answers.
In this incident, a neighbor's camera caught video footage and audio. The statement, shared by authorities, noted that an investigation led to a damning revelation about the defendant.
Further investigation led to the identification of the defendant who kicked the victim's door multiple times, forcing it open.
Local outlet WOWT shared footage of the prank in their report. Two people put their backs to a door and run away when it opens. The outlet reveals the homeowner's identity as Dissany Cid. She reportedly blamed the incident on a "viral door kick challenge."
Cid said she felt like she had failed her dog and claimed that authorities initially said they would not pursue any arrests owing to her broken doorbell camera. However, their stance changed after a news outlet approached the Sheriff's office. Authorities said they would take a second look, and they arrested Lucas within 24 hours.
The December incident isn't the only time in 2025 that the infamous prank made headlines. Per a 2025 report by USA Today, a man from Texas shot and killed an 11-year-old who knocked on his door during the night on August 30. The boy was reportedly with friends at the time. A witness claimed they saw the group running away from the house before the homeowner shot one of them in the back.
The Houston Police Department later announced that it had arrested 42-year-old Gonzalo Leon Jr. and charged him with murder.
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