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This viral TikTok trend just got 12 people arrested
Gwinnett County police say five adults were arrested and seven juveniles were contacted after people repeatedly entered a private residence on the 3900 block of Westbrook Road. Investigators determined that several of those involved had learned about the property through TikTok and other social media videos that falsely portrayed the home as an abandoned place to explore.
Four Separate Incidents
Police responded to the Suwanee property four different times following reports of people trespassing.
According to investigators, some individuals climbed over fences and gates and entered the residence without permission. Several told officers they had seen the location on TikTok and went there to explore or take photographs. Surveillance cameras at the property also helped investigators identify people who entered the grounds.
Although the house is currently unoccupied, authorities emphasized that it remains privately owned and is not open to the public.
Five Adults Arrested
Police arrested five adults: Vance Smith, Jackson White, Alexa Cruz, Arthur Silva and Nathan Nelson.
The adults face charges including criminal trespass, loitering and prowling, and giving a false name or date of birth to a law enforcement officer.
Seven juveniles were also involved. Four were charged with criminal trespass, while three others were issued criminal trespass warnings.
Police Warn About Social Media Challenges
Gwinnett County police are using the case as a warning about the real-world consequences of online trends.
Authorities say a social media post claiming that a property is abandoned does not give anyone permission to enter it. Even if someone is simply looking for content, taking pictures or participating in an online challenge, trespassing can still result in arrest and prosecution.
The incident is also part of a broader pattern of social-media-inspired activity that has drawn the attention of Gwinnett County law enforcement. Earlier this year, police arrested a group of young people following break-ins at several Urban Air Adventure Parks that investigators said were inspired by videos posted online.
A Viral Video Isn't an Invitation
What may look like harmless entertainment online can have very real consequences once people leave their screens and show up at someone else's property.
Police say residents should not assume a home, business or other location is abandoned simply because a video says it is. Private property remains off-limits unless the owner has given permission to enter.
For the people involved in the Westbrook Road incidents, a social media trend that promised an interesting place to explore ended with police investigations, arrests and criminal charges.
Source: Gwinnett County Police Department, FOX 5 Atlanta
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