Ring digital camera surveillance footage exhibits two of 4 younger males operating away after authorities say they kicked within the entrance door of a Sleepy Hole residence July 23. Police imagine the vandalism occurred as a part of a social media pattern often known as the “door kick problem.”
Courtesy of Anne Ybarra
The most recent social media pattern that has younger folks partaking in harmful habits simply would possibly wind up at your step.
That was the case July 23 for Sleepy Hole resident Anne Ybarra, when she was startled awake at 3:14 a.m. by what seemed like a tree falling atop her residence.
“This was not a small noise,” she informed us Thursday. “When police later heard it (on Ring digital camera surveillance footage), they stated it seemed like gunshots.”
It wasn’t till Ybarra noticed her entrance door later that morning that she found the reality: She’d been a sufferer of the “door kick problem.” Consider the outdated ding-dong-ditch prank, however as an alternative of ringing the bell and operating, these perps report themselves kicking down a entrance door then submit their actions on TikTok or different social media.
Incidences have been reported throughout the nation in latest months, from Florida to Arizona, and Texas to Wisconsin. And now, it’s smashed its means into the suburbs.
Ybarra’s residence was certainly one of two in Sleepy Hole hit within the early morning hours of July 23, police say.
Ring surveillance digital camera footage from Ybarra’s residence begins with the sound of 4 or 5 loud crashes, adopted by 4 male teenagers or younger males operating away whereas laughing and shouting. One could be seen holding up a cellphone, apparently recording the group’s actions.
Ring digital camera surveillance footage exhibits two of 4 younger males approaching a Sleepy Hole residence July 23 earlier than kicking in its entrance door. Police imagine the vandalism occurred as a part of a social media pattern often known as the “door kick problem.”
Courtesy of Anne Ybarra
What Ybarra discovered later that morning was stunning. Her 42-inch huge, 2-inch thick walnut door had been knocked out of its jam and into the house’s entryway. The door wouldn’t shut till Ybarra employed a carpenter to fully redo the body.
Within the wake of the vandalism, Ybarra stated she’s added safety measures round her residence and recommends others do the identical — or at the very least keep in mind to go away their exterior lights on in a single day.
“What they did price me 1000’s and 1000’s to restore, however the cash half is much less vital than the sense of peace and security that’s been broken for me,” she stated. “This isn’t only a prank.”
Investigation continues
Sleepy Hole police Chief Sam Parma stated officers proceed to work with surveillance video, forensic proof and a attainable eyewitness to establish and arrest these answerable for the injury final month.
Within the meantime, he’s encouraging the perpetrators to come back ahead — or else.
“If we discover them, and it’s not a results of them coming ahead on their very own, my intent is to not solely cost them with the prison injury, but in addition mob motion, making it a felony,” he stated.
We reached out to a handful of different suburban police chiefs this week, asking if the door kick problem has popped up of their cities. Most stated they’re unaware of any confirmed circumstances, however some have had entrance doorways broken by vandals in crimes that is perhaps linked to the pattern.
Another thought
The door kick problem isn’t simply dangerous for its victims. As one regulation enforcement official informed us this week, “You by no means know when a house owner goes to be on the opposite facet of that door with a shotgun.”
Legion’s prime cop
Congrats to Schaumburg Group Engagement Officer Emily Zuhr, who’s been named the Illinois American Legion Police Officer of the 12 months.
Zuhr was nominated for her work establishing the division’s High quality of Life Division, which makes use of a community-based policing method to handle ongoing points reminiscent of psychological well being, substance abuse and home violence.
Schaumburg Group Engagement Officer Emily Zuhr lately accepted the Illinois American Legion Police Officer of the 12 months award.
Courtesy of the Schuamburg Police Division
“Her proactive method to partaking with residents to strengthen belief and collaboration inside the neighborhood is outstanding,” the division posted on its Facebook page. “Her professionalism, data, compassion, and resourcefulness have made a significant distinction within the lives of these she serves.”
Zurh acquired the state award final month, and will probably be honored once more on the Legion’s nationwide conference in a number of weeks.
Pretend tickets
Did you get a distracted driving ticket from a police officer in West suburban Milton Township?
Any individual’s been going round issuing citations with the Milton Township brand on them, township officers reported this week.
The factor is, the township that features all or elements of Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Glendale Heights, Lisle and different cities, doesn’t have a police power.
Township officers suggests you name them at (630) 668-1616, or the DuPage County state’s legal professional’s workplace at (630) 407-8000 in the event you’ve acquired a phony ticket.
Getting weapons off the road
The Illinois State Police has given $1 million to 21 law-enforcement companies to examine on people legally barred from having a firearm.
Suburban companies receiving grants embody Aurora, Cortland, Island Lake, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg, Vernon Hills, West Chicago and Willowbrook. The Cook dinner County Sheriff’s Workplace additionally acquired funding.
The enforcement effort focuses on those that are barred from having a gun due to a Firearm Restraining Order, a Clear and Current Hazard report, or a prison conviction, amongst different causes.
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