An 11-year-old boy in Texas has died after being shot in the back during what police described as a door-knocking prank. The incident occurred around 10:55 p.m. Saturday in southeast Houston, according to a spokesperson for the Houston Police Department. The child, whose name has not been released pending an autopsy, was pronounced dead at a hospital on Sunday.

Police reported that the boy was ringing doorbells in the neighborhood and running away when he was shot. A witness stated that the boy was fleeing from a house after ringing the doorbell just before the gunfire erupted.

Sgt. Michael Cass of the Houston Police Department confirmed that one person was initially detained for questioning but was later released. However, after the boy's death was reported around 2 p.m. Sunday, that individual was detained again as a potential suspect. It remains unclear whether this person was the homeowner where the shooting took place. A search warrant executed at the residence revealed a significant number of weapons.

According to police, the victim lived about a block away and was with at least two friends when a man emerged from the home with what appeared to be a handgun and fired multiple shots in their direction. After being struck, the boy managed to run about a block before collapsing in the street.

This incident is part of a troubling trend linked to the so-called "Door Kicking Challenge," which has gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok. This challenge involves groups of young people ringing doorbells and then running away, similar to the older prank known as "Ding Dong Ditch."

In a related case from July, a 58-year-old homeowner in Frisco, Texas, was arrested for aggravated assault after he allegedly fired at a vehicle that had fled his home following a doorbell prank. The occupants of the vehicle later admitted to participating in the prank.

In June, police in Chandler, Arizona, released footage of juveniles repeatedly committing the "Door Kicking Challenge," which led to the homeowner moving out due to the harassment. Local police departments have issued warnings to parents about the potential dangers of such pranks.

"These 'pranks' can have serious consequences and lead to charges such as criminal damage, disorderly conduct, or harassment," the Chandler Police Department stated. Similarly, the Fort Worth Police Department cautioned that such actions could be misinterpreted as attempted break-ins, prompting dangerous responses from homeowners.

Authorities are urging parents to discuss the risks associated with these pranks with their children, emphasizing the importance of knowing their whereabouts and activities.