A quest for viral fame ended in a jail cell Tuesday night after a Florida teenager allegedly attempted a “24-hour overnight challenge” inside a closed Walmart.
Charlotte County deputies responded to the supercenter on S. McCall Road just after 11 p.m. following reports of a burglary in progress. The caller alerted authorities that a male was still inside the locked building and was actively livestreaming on TikTok.
Upon entering the store, deputies located the suspect, identified as 18-year-old Isaac M. Hurley, hiding in the dog bed aisle.
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According to investigators, 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 generate enough views to earn money. During the attempted stay, authorities say Hurley also removed an iPhone charger from its packaging for personal use.
Sheriff Bill Prummell issued a statement criticizing the influence of social media trends that encourage illegal behavior.
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“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 previous 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 has since been released on a $1,500 bond.
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