Two 18-year-olds in Florida have been arrested after allegedly carrying out a series of bizarre stunts inside local businesses, including driving a lawnmower straight into a Target store — all reportedly for social media attention.
According to the Ocala Police Department, the teens — identified as Janek Szkaradek and Luke Charske — were taken into custody following two separate incidents that happened on consecutive days.
The first incident took place at a Culver’s restaurant on SW College Road, where Szkaradek reportedly entered the premises with a leaf blower. Police say the stunt created a safety hazard for both staff and customers, as the device blew items around and caused disruption inside the restaurant.
Things escalated the following day. Authorities allege that Szkaradek drove a lawnmower through the entrance of a nearby Target store, damaging the door in the process. Meanwhile, Charske is accused of recording the entire stunt on video. Police believe the act was carried out with the intention of going viral online.
Teens arrested after viral prank stunts
Following the incidents, both teens were arrested and charged. Szkaradek faces charges of criminal mischief and disorderly conduct related to the Culver’s incident, along with an additional disorderly conduct charge tied to the Target stunt.
Charske, on the other hand, was charged with disorderly conduct for his alleged role in filming the lawnmower incident. Authorities also revealed that bail was set at $1,500 for Szkaradek and $500 for Charske.
Police were quick to emphasize that these actions are not harmless pranks. In a statement, officials warned that such behavior can put people at risk and lead to serious legal consequences.
“These are crimes, not harmless videos,” the department said, urging others to think twice before attempting similar stunts for online fame.
Authorities added that both incidents endangered customers and employees, while also causing unnecessary property damage. The case highlights growing concerns over social media-driven pranks crossing the line into criminal activity.
