Two 18-year-old men from Ocala, Florida, are facing serious legal consequences following a reckless social media stunt that took place inside a local retail store. Janek Szkaradek and Luke Charske were taken into custody after authorities say they brought a riding lawnmower into a Target location.
The incident occurred on a Saturday, drawing immediate attention from store employees and shoppers. Witnesses reported that the pair entered the building with the heavy machinery, causing visible damage to a store entrance during the process.
While Szkaradek operated the lawnmower, Charske reportedly filmed the entire event to share on social media. Law enforcement officials emphasized that the stunt was not a harmless prank but a dangerous disruption that put customers and staff at risk.
Both individuals now face charges of disorderly conduct. Charske has been specifically charged as a principal to the disorderly conduct, reflecting his active role in facilitating the recording of the event.
The investigation into Szkaradek revealed a pattern of disruptive behavior occurring just one day prior. Police reports indicate that he entered a nearby Culver’s restaurant and activated a leaf blower inside the dining area, leading to additional charges of criminal mischief.
Local authorities have issued a stern warning regarding the trend of performing dangerous stunts for online engagement. They noted that such actions are not merely misguided attempts at humor but are classified as criminal offenses that carry real-world penalties.
The Ocala Police Department stated that the safety of the public remains their primary concern. They underscored that property damage and the endangerment of others will be met with strict legal enforcement regardless of the intent behind the video.
As the legal process moves forward, the case serves as a reminder of the potential fallout from seeking viral fame through illegal activities. The store has since returned to normal operations, though the incident has sparked a wider conversation about the consequences of social media-driven recklessness in public spaces.