Florida
Masked teens have been terrorizing a Florida family for over a year
The classic “doorbell ditch” has taken a sinister turn.
A Florida family says they have been terrorized by a group of teens who have aggressively banged on their front door in the middle of the night for more than a year — and they have no idea why.
Surveillance video captured by the family shows the boys creeping up to their Fort Myers home in the dead of night and bashing the door with their fists and feet.
“We are on edge every single weekend when the sun goes down,” the fed-up homeowner told WINK news.
“I find myself looking out the window trying to see if I can see anybody approaching the property. So, they’re trespassing and harassing. They’re stalking us every weekend. For over a year and a half. It’s got to stop.”
Local police — who’ve speculated that the attacks stem from a social media challenge — said they’re aware of the situation and have asked for the public’s help in identifying the masked marauders.
The ceaseless attacks paused during the summer break in June — but have since resumed now that school has started, said the exasperated homeowner, who was only identified as Kevin.
“They won’t leave us alone,” he lamented. “We’re peaceful people. We haven’t done anything to deserve this.”
One of the troublemaking teens was captured attempting to kick in the door with a karate move, leaving Kevin and his family scared they would come inside.
Footage of the midnight raids also shows the hooligans shouting and screaming before scampering off into the darkness.
Police said other homes have been randomly targeted by the assailants over the past year — but that Kevin and his family have become a recurring target.
Professor David Thomas, who specializes in forensic studies at Florida Gulf Coast University, warned that the bandits could harass the wrong family one day — and suffer the ultimate penalty.
If someone feels like their life is in danger during one of the terrifying rampages, they could be justified in using lethal force.
“Is the TikTok challenge worth your life? I guess that’s probably the best way to look at it,” the professor said.