A viral TikTok trend has teens kicking front doors of Washington County homes hard enough to cause felony-level damage, the sheriff's office warned in a social media post the week of Oct. 1.

The agency called it the "door kick challenge." Participants run up to a home, kick or strike the front door, film the act and flee. The sheriff's office said it has received calls about the behavior across the Portland metro area, KGW reported.

Cpl. David Huey, a Washington County Sheriff's Office spokesperson, told KOIN 6 News that the consequences can escalate fast. Damage exceeding $1,000 could result in a felony charge, he said. The agency's Youth Services officer first spotted the trend and flagged it for the Public Affairs Team so they could get messaging out to parents.

"Teenagers or individuals are kicking the front doors of residential houses, and that's causing significant alarm or concern for those folks that are inside," Huey told KOIN 6 News.

Huey told KATU that deputies are investigating at least one incident involving significant damage to a door. Those involved appeared to be juveniles. He said the behavior goes beyond a doorbell prank. A resident could perceive the kick as a threat, and a pet could react aggressively if the door opens.

Washington County resident Marta Sanchez shared doorbell camera video with KATU showing kids kicking her front door near NE 17th Avenue and Kathryn Street, then running. Sanchez, who uses a walker, told KOIN 6 News she heard a loud boom and thought someone was trying to break down her door. The kids had come twice in recent weeks.

Antonina White, a Washington County mother, told KATU she worries about her daughter associating with kids who participate and fears how a homeowner could respond.

The sheriff's office, which patrols Bethany, Cedar Mill, Oak Hills and West Haven-Sylvan from its Bethany Station, urged parents to talk with their teenagers about the potential consequences. Several incidents have surfaced on neighborhood social media groups, and Huey said some residents are posting about the trend online without reporting it to law enforcement. He encouraged residents to contact non-emergency dispatch or call 911 when appropriate so deputies can respond.

Residents who want to report property damage from the trend can call the Washington County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 503-629-0111.