ENGLEWOOD, Fla. (WFLA) — A TikTok challenge resulted in the arrest of a man on Tuesday after he attempted to stay inside a Walmart for 24 hours, livestreaming his attempt on social media, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies responded to a Walmart on McCall Road in Englewood, Florida, just after 11 p.m. in reference to a reported burglary, according to CCSO.
The caller reported a man, Isaac Matthew Hurley, 19, who was in the Walmart and actively livestreaming for TikTok after the store had closed for the night.
The sheriff’s office said its deputies located Hurley in the dog bed section of the store.
“Young people especially are putting themselves in bad situations and paying the price for it,” Sheriff Bill Prummell said. “Why aren’t any of these challenges aimed at making the world better? Imagine mobilizing an entire generation to do positive things — the impact that could have. Instead we are busy arresting people for making poor choices just to get views and likes. It’s a shame.”
During the investigation, deputies determined that Hurley entered the store around 10:15 p.m. and intended to remain inside overnight, CCSO said.
Deputies learned that Hurley planned to complete the TikTok challenge and earn money based on livestream views, according to CCSO.
The sheriff’s office said Hurley removed an iPhone charger from its packaging while hiding in the store.
Hurley was arrested on charges of burglary of an occupied structure and petit theft. He was taken to the Charlotte County Jail and bonded out in the amount of $1,500.