'Gallon Smashing' May Amuse YouTube Viewers, But Authorities Say It's Dangerous
NEWTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A bizarre supermarket stunt has become all the rage on YouTube, but it's also getting teens in trouble with the law.
As CBS 2's Christine Sloan reported Tuesday, "gallon smashing" is happening at stores across the country, and has now made it all the way to New Jersey.
Jokesters will walk into a store, grab gallon-jugs of milk or other fluids, and smash them on the ground while pretending to fall.
Police said a 19-year-old carried out the prank at a ShopRite store in Newton, N.J.
"He had two gallons of milk in his hands, and threw them on the ground," said Newton Police Sgt. Michael Monaco. "He got up and walked away like nothing happened while his friends were videotaping him on his cell phone."
The prankster, Jason Logan, may now be crying over his alleged spilled milk. He has been charged with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct in connection with the ShopRite gallon smashing incident.
"He was aware there had been other instances and he was trying to imitate that," Newton Police Lt. Robert Osborn told WCBS 880's Levon Putney. "And he felt that it was something that he wanted to also entertain as far as doing."
And while YouTube viewers may be getting a good chuckle from the prank, police said it is no laughing matter.
"When these gallon jugs go flying into the air, they could land not only on the person who is throwing them, but if there is any children or elderly people in the area, they could be struck by it and be injured," Monaco said.
'Gallon Smash' Prank Hits NJ Grocery Store; Teen Faces Fine
The prank has also taken place at stores in Wildwood, N.J. Shoppers said they don't think it's funny at all.
"It's vandalism, pure and simple," said Don Bookholt of Newton.
"It could scare people, and people don't know what's going on, and I don't like it," added Shelly Messina, also of Newton.
CBS 2 tried to get Logan's side of the story, but no one answered the door at his home.
Police said store surveillance cameras captured Logan in the act. They also said he allegedly posted his prank on Facebook.
"We became aware of it through the store itself," Osborn told Putney. "It was more of a prank that he thought would be, I guess, amusing."
Osborn has some advice for others who may be interested in trying out the stunt.
"I think you should always consider the consequences first and not just get caught up with something that you may see on Facebook or YouTube," he said.
Logan will likely be given a fine and no jail time, police said.
What do you think should be done to curb the "gallon smashing" meme? Leave your comments below...
