Two Texas teens were arrested for a TikTok prank where they asked elementary school children if they “wanted to be kidnapped.”
Authorities have arrested two teenagers in Texas for a troubling prank in TikTok.
The incident took place in the city of Kyle, where the teens approached two elementary school students as they were walking home.
The authorities charged the boys, aged 19 and 18, with making terroristic threats.
Texas teens approached and asked elementary schoolers if they “wanted to be kidnapped”
On a Wednesday afternoon, Kaine Villarreal, 19, and Lane Burch, 18, allegedly approached a 7-year-old and a 9-year-old.
They asked the children if they “wanted to be kidnapped,” which understandably frightened the kids.
The children quickly ran home and told their parents about the strange encounter.
The concerned parents then contacted the local police department.
Texas teens arrested after viral kidnapping TikTok prank
The Kyle Police Department responded swiftly to the parents’ report.
Officers investigated the situation and arrested Villarreal and Burch shortly after.
According to police, the teens claimed they were just trying to recreate a TikTok prank they had seen online.
However, their actions had serious consequences.
Authorities responded to the arrest
The incident understandably shocked the local community.
The prank alarmed parents and made them express concern for their children’s safety.
Kyle Police Public Information Specialist Ashlee Bradshaw emphasized that pranks involving threats to people or property are illegal.
She stressed that these kinds of jokes can cause severe consequences and people should not take them lightly.
“Pranks that involve a threat or potential threat to other people or property are illegal,” Bradshaw said.
School district’s response
In response to the incident, the Hays Consolidated Independent School District sent a letter to parents at Negley Elementary School.
Tim Savoy, the district’s Chief Communication Officer, praised the children for their quick thinking.
He encouraged parents to talk with their kids about being vigilant and aware of their surroundings.
“We are glad the students are OK and we are proud of them for doing the right thing by immediately reporting this to their parents.
Please remember to continue to reinforce teaching your children about stranger danger,” Savoy wrote.
The problem with TikTok pranks
The incident in Kyle is not an isolated case.
TikTok has become a platform where many young people share pranks, some of which can be harmful or alarming.
While some pranks may seem harmless, others can lead to dangerous situations.
In recent years, several pranks have resulted in arrests or injuries.
This has raised questions about the influence of social media on young people’s behavior.