A shocking incident in Florida is drawing national attention after an 11-year-old girl was arrested and charged with a felony for staging her own abduction — all as part of a prank inspired by a trending online challenge.
Authorities say the girl falsely reported herself as missing, triggering a swift response from law enforcement and emergency services. The elaborate hoax, intended as a joke, quickly spiraled out of control.
Investigators later discovered the abduction report was completely fabricated. The child admitted to orchestrating the prank after deputies uncovered inconsistencies in the story. She is now facing a felony charge for making a false police report involving a violent act — specifically, the false mention of a firearm — as well as a misdemeanor for misusing the 911 emergency line.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood spoke out about the incident, warning of the dangers behind these so-called “pranks.” “Our deputies must treat every emergency as real until proven otherwise,” he said. “Hoaxes like this not only waste time and resources, but they could put others in genuine danger.”
The girl was taken to the Family Resource Center and later transferred to the Volusia Regional Juvenile Detention Center. Officials are now urging parents to be vigilant about their children’s online activity and the content they consume, especially when it encourages reckless or illegal behavior.
The incident is a sobering reminder of how quickly internet-inspired antics can lead to real-world legal consequences — even for minors.
