What started as a lighthearted dare among friends quickly spiraled into a chaotic scene involving police, shattered glass, and serious consequences. A group of teenagers in Bozeman, Montana decided to film themselves “chillin’ on the cruiser” — a prank where someone jumps onto a parked police car to record a quick video for social media. But things didn’t go as planned.
According to the Bozeman Police Department, the incident happened on March 17, 2024, outside a local convenience store just after 6:00 p.m. Bodycam footage released by authorities shows an officer approaching the scene as one of the teens sits on the hood of the patrol car, laughing while his friends record from a distance.
“What are you doing?” the officer can be heard saying as he walks toward the group.
The teens initially try to play it off as a harmless joke, claiming they were “just making a video.” However, the officer quickly points out that they had scratched the cruiser’s paint and triggered the vehicle’s security alert.
“You’re vandalizing a police vehicle,” the officer responds firmly. “This isn’t funny — it’s a crime.”
As backup officers arrived, the group’s attitude shifted from amusement to panic. One of the teens attempted to delete the video from his phone, while another started arguing that “it was just a prank.” But the officers weren’t having it.
“You wouldn’t like it if someone climbed on your car, would you?” one officer said. “This is public property and law enforcement equipment — not a prop for TikTok.”
Authorities say the teens were detained and questioned at the scene. The 18-year-old believed to be the ringleader was later charged with criminal mischief and obstruction of justice, while two others were released to their parents with warnings.
The incident quickly gained traction online after the bodycam footage was shared by police as part of a public awareness campaign about social media stunts gone wrong.
“We’re seeing more and more of these so-called ‘challenges’ where people risk their safety — or destroy property — just for likes,” said Sergeant Kelly Moore. “This could have ended far worse if that cruiser had been in motion or responding to an emergency.”
Surprisingly, the officer involved in the incident later spoke about the encounter, saying he didn’t want to ruin the teens’ futures but hoped the experience would be a wake-up call.
“They’re young. I get it,” he said. “But this is how small mistakes turn into big consequences.”
The viral trend known as “chillin’ on the cruiser” has since been condemned by several law enforcement agencies across the country. Videos of people sitting, dancing, or posing on patrol cars have led to multiple arrests in Texas, California, and Ohio over the past year.
Police are urging the public — especially teenagers — to think twice before participating in viral challenges that involve public property or safety risks.
“It might seem funny for 10 seconds,” Sgt. Moore warned, “but that video could cost you far more than just your followers.”
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