A bid for viral attention ended in arrest Tuesday night after a Florida teenager allegedly attempted a “24-hour overnight challenge” inside a closed Walmart.
Charlotte County deputies responded to the Walmart Supercenter on S. McCall Road shortly after 11 p.m. following reports of a burglary in progress. The caller told authorities a male was still inside the locked store and was actively livestreaming on TikTok.
Deputies entered the store and located the suspect, identified as 18-year-old Isaac M. Hurley, hiding in the dog bed aisle.
Investigators said Hurley entered the store around 10:15 p.m. with the intention of remaining hidden overnight. He reportedly told deputies he hoped the stunt would attract enough views to earn money. Authorities also alleged that during the incident, Hurley removed an iPhone charger from its packaging for personal use.
Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell issued a statement condemning social media trends that promote illegal activity.
“I’m not sure why people buy into these social media challenges when they are clearly encouraging you to violate the law,” Prummell said, referencing past viral trends involving property damage. “Why aren’t any of these challenges aimed at making the world better? … Instead, we are busy arresting people for making poor choices just to get views and likes. It’s a shame.”
Hurley was arrested and charged with burglary of an occupied structure and petit theft. He was booked into the Charlotte County Jail and later released on a $1,500 bond.