DELTONA, Fla. – A Deltona woman is demanding justice after her dog was tragically killed in December when he escaped from her home following what she believes was a viral “door kick-in challenge” involving neighborhood teens.
Dysani Cid said her dog, Spooky, got loose after teens allegedly kicked in her front door as part of the TikTok challenge. Spooky was later found a few streets away after being hit by a car and killed.
Last week, Volusia County detectives told Cid they interviewed the teens but did not have enough evidence to press charges. However, on Monday, they informed News 6 they decided there was enough evidence to make an arrest.
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The sheriff’s office said a phone call from News 6 Volusia County community correspondent Molly Reed questioning the original decision prompted investigators to reopen the case and take a closer, second look.
During an emotional interview with News 6, Cid expressed relief upon hearing the update.
“Oh my gosh,” she said, tears in her eyes.
Cid explained that while her home security cameras did not capture the incident, they did record a still photo of teens on her front porch. She also came home to find her door frame damaged. Video footage from a neighbor showed teens walking away from her property, one of the few pieces of evidence available to investigators.
Detectives’ original report mentioned a nearby teen’s birthday party. The teens told investigators they were playing “ding dong ditch” at neighbors’ houses.
Investigators have not yet disclosed what new evidence led to the decision to pursue charges, which teen will be charged, or the specific charges.
The sheriff’s office noted several other cases of local teens participating in the viral TikTok challenge involving kicking in random people’s doors.
Cid hopes the punishment for the teens involved will leave a lasting impact.
“Have them do community service at a local dog shelter — three years, that’s how old Spooky was! That’s how I feel,” she said.
The sheriff’s office said an arrest is expected within the next 24 hours.