Two teenagers from Kyle, Texas, were arrested after following elementary school students home and asking if they “wanted to be kidnapped” as part of a TikTok prank. The incident occurred on the afternoon of January 29, 2025, when 19-year-old Kaine Villareal and 17-year-old Lane Burch approached two children, ages 7 and 9, as they walked home from Negley Elementary School. The teens allegedly approached the kids with the disturbing question as part of a social media stunt.
The children immediately contacted their parents, who then notified the Kyle Police Department. Upon arrival, the suspects admitted to attempting a prank they had seen on TikTok. Both Villareal and Burch were arrested and charged with making terroristic threats.
The prank follows a troubling pattern of increasingly dangerous social media stunts that have led to legal consequences in recent weeks. In this case, the duo was attempting to replicate a viral TikTok prank where individuals ask strangers or children disturbing and often inappropriate questions in a bid for online attention and views. While their TikTok accounts are set to private, Villareal’s presence on other platforms and as a former high school athlete has been noted, highlighting the troubling nature of the prank.
This arrest is part of a broader trend where social media pranks, particularly those on TikTok, have escalated into illegal and harmful actions. Just weeks earlier, Charles Smith, a well-known TikToker with millions of followers, was arrested in Arizona after filming a prank in which he sprayed pesticide on food in a grocery store, capturing the entire act for his online audience. Smith faces multiple criminal charges, including endangerment, criminal damage, and introducing poison, after his video prompted public outcry and an investigation.
In addition to these cases, the Port Arthur Police Department in Texas is currently investigating a viral TikTok video involving a man who allegedly put a baby in danger by using it to wipe snow off a car as part of a stunt. Authorities are working with Child Protective Services to investigate the situation, and an arrest warrant for child endangerment may be forthcoming.
This growing trend of pranks that put others at risk raises serious concerns about the influence of social media platforms on behavior, particularly among younger users. The desire for online validation and views can sometimes lead to dangerous and even illegal actions, as seen with Villareal, Burch, Smith, and others. It underscores the need for greater accountability and awareness regarding the potential real-world consequences of online actions.
Law enforcement officials are urging parents to be vigilant about the types of content their children may be exposed to on social media. They also warn that pranks that involve threats or harm, even if meant as jokes, can lead to serious legal consequences. As social media continues to evolve, it is crucial for both content creators and viewers to understand the potential impact of their actions and the importance of maintaining ethical standards online.
