ENGLEWOOD, Fla. — An 18-year-old man was arrested after deputies said he attempted to stay overnight inside a Walmart as part of a TikTok challenge, authorities reported.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded just after 11 p.m. Tuesday to a reported burglary at the Walmart on McCall Road.
A 911 caller reported that a man was still inside after the store closed and was streaming live on TikTok.
Deputies found Isaac Hurley in the dog bed section. Investigators said he entered the store around 10:15 p.m. and planned to remain inside overnight to complete the challenge, hoping to earn money based on views.
Hurley also removed an iPhone charger from its packaging while inside. He was arrested and charged with burglary of an occupied structure and petit theft, and later posted $1,500 bond.
After the arrest, Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell criticized 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,” Prummell said. “Young people especially are putting themselves in bad situations and paying the price for it.”
He added, “Why aren’t any of these challenges aimed at making the world better? Imagine mobilizing an entire generation to do positive things. Instead, we are busy arresting people for making poor choices just to get views and likes. It’s a shame.”
