Elm Grove suspicious activity; police seek to ID door knocker

Elm Grove suspicious activity, possible TikTok trend

Elm Grove police are investigating reports of a person approaching homes, ringing doorbells, and in some cases pounding on doors before fleeing the area.

ELM GROVE, Wis. - Elm Grove police are investigating reports of a person approaching homes, ringing doorbells, and in some cases pounding on doors before fleeing the area.

Suspicious activity investigated

What we know:

A post on the Elm Grove Police Department Facebook page says between 1:30 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Friday, July 18, police received reports from multiple residents in the village.

One incident was captured on video, showing a subject wearing a Nike hoodie and a mask covering their face.

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Officials said while this may appear to some as a prank, it "caused alarm for residents—especially during overnight hours. It’s also possible this behavior was intended to test whether homes were occupied."

Elm Grove officers are reviewing footage and seeking to identify the individual involved.

TikTok trend?

Dig deeper:

Elm Grove Lt. Natalie Riley hopes it was just a prank, but it’s something the department is taking seriously.

"Ultimately, it could be viewed as disorderly conduct," Riley said. "They could get a municipal citation for disorderly conduct."

Investigators say the incident, and other recent ones, could be part of a TikTok challenge where people kick a homeowner’s garage or front door and run away.

A homeowner near Quail Run and Clover Drive in Sussex said on Tuesday, July 15, someone kicked his door in around 10:30 p.m.

The homeowner didn’t want to talk on camera but said it was frightening. The force was so strong, he said the person kicked through the deadbolt.

"We are aware of some other incidents going on," Riley said. "We’d like parents and guardians to talk to kids about the decisions they are making and how they could have a negative impact on those in the community."

Recognize this person?

What you can do:

No arrests or citations have been issued yet.

If you recognize the person in the photos in this post or have any relevant information, you are urged to contact the Elm Grove Police Department at 262-786-4141.