An 18-year-old Florida man was arrested after police said he tried to hide inside a Walmart overnight to take part in a TikTok challenge.
Deputies from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office were called just after 11pm on Tuesday to the Walmart on McCall Road in Englewood.
A 911 caller reported that someone was still inside the closed store — and was livestreaming the whole thing on TikTok.
When officers searched the building, they found Isaac Hurley hiding in the dog bed aisle, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators learned that Hurley went into the store around 10:15pm, just before closing time. His plan was to stay inside for 24 hours and film it for TikTok, hoping to make money based on how many people watched.
While wandering inside the store after closing, deputies said Hurley also opened a package and removed an iPhone charger.
He was arrested and charged with burglary of an occupied structure and petit theft, then taken to the Charlotte County Jail.
Court records show he was later released after posting a $1,500 bond.
After the arrest, Sheriff Bill Prummell spoke out against dangerous social media challenges.
“I’m not sure why people buy into these social media challenges when they are clearly encouraging you to violate the law,” he said.
He pointed out past trends involving breaking into homes and damaging property, calling them “a shame.”
The sheriff also questioned why these viral stunts never focus on something useful.
“Why aren’t any of these challenges aimed at making the world better?” he added.
“Instead, we are busy arresting people for making poor choices just to get views and likes.”
