Full Breakdown
Two Florida Teens Arrested After Lawn Mower Drives Through Target Store
4/27/2026, 3:49:22 AM
Lawn Mower Stunt at Target Store
On Saturday, 18-year-old Janek Szkaradek operated a riding lawn mower through the front entrance of a Target store on Southwest College Road in Ocala, Florida. The mower struck and damaged the store’s entrance door. The incident was captured on video by 18-year-old Luke Charske, who recorded the maneuver for later posting on social-media platforms. Police responded to the scene to address the safety concerns raised by the stunt. Authorities did not report any injuries.
Sequence of Stunts and Police Intervention
The lawn-mower intrusion followed a prior stunt that night in which Szkaradek used a leaf blower inside a nearby Culver’s restaurant, an act that was recorded and later shared online. Both actions were part of reckless activities aimed at online attention. Ocala Police Department officers responded to the Target incident, identified the participants, and arrested both teens on charges for the damage and for filming.
Timeline of Events
- Friday night: Szkaradek uses a leaf blower inside a Culver’s restaurant; the act is recorded.
- Saturday: Szkaradek drives a riding lawn mower through the Target store entrance on SW College Road; Charske records.
- Soon after: Ocala Police Department secures the scene, identifies the teens, and arrests them on charges of criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, and principal disorderly conduct.
The two incidents occurred on consecutive nights.
Official Law Enforcement Response
Ocala police officials described the lawn-mower and leaf-blower incidents as endangering public safety and not harmless pranks. The department disclosed that Szkaradek faces charges of criminal mischief and disorderly conduct, while Charske is charged as a principal with disorderly conduct for filming. Police statements highlighted the seriousness of the incidents and the need to enforce laws against reckless behavior.
Public Safety Implications
The incidents demonstrate how social-media-motivated reckless behavior can lead to property damage and pose risks to public safety. Police emphasized that the acts endangered others and were not harmless pranks, prompting a swift law-enforcement response and criminal charges. The cases underscore the challenges authorities face in deterring similar conduct that exploits public venues for online attention.
Charges Filed Against the Teens
The Ocala Police Department filed these charges: Janek Szkaradek – criminal mischief and disorderly conduct; Luke Charske – principal disorderly conduct for filming the Target incident. The charges address both property damage and the act of recording the stunt. Both teens were taken into custody following the arrests. No sentencing details have been released.
Unresolved Details and Next Steps
The source does not specify court dates for either teen, nor include statements from them or their counsel. The cost of repairing the Target storefront remains undisclosed. Further information is expected as the judicial process unfolds, including any potential restitution or additional penalties.
