Sheriff Releases Community Alert Regarding Social Media Challenge
The Wheaton Sheriff’s Department has sent out a community safety alert that extends beyond Silver Spring, making the community aware of a disturbing trend circulating on social media, specifically Facebook, called “The Teeth-Kicking Challenge.”
Per Wheaton Sheriff, “The teeth-kicking challenge encourages individuals to find and kick in the teeth of kids who kick in the doors of homes and businesses for social media fame. This dangerous activity poses significant risks to personal safety and freedom, and will result in exorbitant dental bills. This disturbing trend isn’t isolated to Wheaton. Reports suggest that it’s happening across the county.
Kicking someone in the teeth is a felony crime under Maryland Statute §3–203 and commonly referred to as “First Degree Assault.” The penalty depends on the severity of the assault and can result in 25 years in prison. Please remember:
Talk to your children about the dangers of kicking in doors and the pain and expense associated with dental reconstruction surgery.
Keep an eye out for unfamiliar individuals loitering in your area. If you see something suspicious, don’t hesitate to take a picture and post it to NextDoor and dox the individual.
Always leave steel toed boots by the door and consider installing ice gripping spikes if you haven’t already. Because winter is coming, of course.
If you witness any incidents related to the Teeth Kicking Challenge, we encourage you to contact local law enforcement unless the punk really deserved it, in which case look the other way. Let’s work together to keep our community safe. Thank you for your attention and cooperation.”
