Two teenagers have been arrested after a reckless social media stunt saw a riding lawnmower driven straight through a Target store in Florida, leaving damage behind and sparking outrage over the lengths some will go for online attention.
The incident unfolded on Saturday at a Target location in Ocala, where 18-year-old Janek Szkaradek allegedly drove the mower into the store, damaging a door as startled shoppers looked on.
Authorities say his friend, 18-year-old Luke Charske, filmed the entire episode, reportedly intending to share the footage online as part of a viral stunt.
Both teens were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, with police making clear they viewed the act as far more serious than a prank gone wrong. Charske was additionally charged as a principal to the offense, meaning he is accused of actively participating in the crime despite not driving the mower.
But the chaos didn’t end there.
According to police, Szkaradek is also facing additional charges stemming from a separate incident the night before at a nearby Culver’s restaurant, where he allegedly entered the business and used a leaf blower inside, causing disruption.
Officials with the Ocala Police Department did not mince words in their response, warning that the behavior crossed a clear line.
“These actions endangered people and caused property damage,” the department said in a statement. “They are crimes, not harmless videos.”
