Two teens from Ste. Genevieve County were arrested March 9 in connection with attempted break-ins in Festus thought to be related to an online challenge.
Festus Police are seeking a third suspect in the incident that occurred overnight March 8-9, said Capt. Lewis Pippin. An 18-year-old Bloomsdale man and a 16-year-old Ste. Genevieve male were arrested, he said.
He said his department received a call at about 11 p.m. March 8 for attempted break-ins in the 600 to 700 blocks of Warne Street.
“There were juvenile suspects in an alley who were suspects in the possible attempted forced entry into a residence,” Pippin said. “Then (around the same time) we had a call from the 700 block of North Mill Street where an elderly female said someone attempted to knock down her door. The victim is in her 60s.
“They caused damaged to the door frame to the house on North Mill.”
“When officers arrived, they located three juveniles who fled the scene on foot,” Pippin said. “Officers from Crystal City responded to assist and all of the officers set up a perimeter. They arrested two of the three suspects.”
The two arrested were released pending application of warrants and the investigation is continuing while police seek the third suspect, as well as other victims, he said.
“We do not believe the victims were targeted,” Pippin said. “We believe it was random and we believe it’s a trend on TikTok, a door-kick challenge. It’s very dangerous. Parents need to talk to their kids about it.”
Those with information related to the incidents are urged to call the Festus Police at 636-937-3646.