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Slobby New York influencer who dumps eggs, beans on himself for pranks, arrested for secretly filming in strangers’ houses

Long Island man faces charges for alleged TikTok, Instagram pranks

In recent years, the rise of social media has transformed how individuals interact, share experiences, and seek attention. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have given birth to a new wave of content creators who often push boundaries to gain followers and views. While many creators focus on entertainment and education, some resort to pranks that can have unintended and sometimes severe consequences. A notable example of this phenomenon occurred in Centereach, Long Island, where a series of pranks led to legal repercussions and community concern.

Slobby New York influencer who dumps eggs, beans on himself for pranks, arrested for secretly filming in strangers’ houses
Kyle Vazquez aka Tommy Tuffknuckles pouring a bucket of beans over his head during a prank.

The Rise of Social Media Pranks

Social media pranks are not a new concept. They have been a staple of online content for over a decade, with creators staging humorous or shocking scenarios to elicit reactions from unsuspecting individuals. The allure of viral fame and the potential for monetization have driven many to engage in increasingly daring stunts. But it’s frequently difficult to distinguish between harmless enjoyment and destructive behavior.

Slobby New York influencer who dumps eggs, beans on himself for pranks, arrested for secretly filming in strangers’ houses
Kyle Vazquez aka Tommy Tuffknuckles pouring liquid eggs over his head during a prank.

The Centereach Incident

On June 2 at 8:20 p.m., Kyle Vazquez, known online as “Tommy TuffKnuckles,” was taken into custody at a friend’s house on Holiday Park Drive in Centereach, Long Island, New York, on multiple charges related to pranks he recorded and shared on his social media accounts, according to local long Island news12. The incidents that led to his arrest were as follows:

  • Vazquez threw a big container of fifty eggs over his head as he entered Ralph’s Italian Ices on Middle Country Road in Centereach on April 29, 2025. He left the eggs and broken shells at the business’s entrance and uploaded the incident to his social media account.
  • April 30, 2025: Vazquez poured a bucket of beans over his head and onto the floor of Wing Wah Chinese Restaurant, also on Middle Country Road.
  • Between May 19 and May 24, 2025: Vazquez unlawfully recorded two private homeowners with an undercover camera in Selden and Centereach, mocking them for allowing him inside. The individuals were taken advantage of because they were kind and let someone into the house, claiming they had to use the bathroom urgently.
Slobby New York influencer who dumps eggs, beans on himself for pranks, arrested for secretly filming in strangers’ houses
Kyle Vazquez in handcuffs being led by police.

Vazquez was accused of eight different crimes by the authorities, including illegal tampering, illegal surveillance, and the distribution of an illegal surveillance image. Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina emphasized the severity of such actions, stating, “When your video causes someone else harm or embarrassment, then you’ve crossed the line and there will be consequences.”

Slobby New York influencer who dumps eggs, beans on himself for pranks, arrested for secretly filming in strangers’ houses
Kyle Vazquez mugshot.

The Legal and Social Implications

Kyle Vazquez’s actions highlight the potential legal consequences of social media pranks. Beyond the immediate charges, such behavior can lead to civil lawsuits, reputational damage, and a loss of trust within the community. The incident also underscores the ethical considerations of consent and respect for privacy. While the pursuit of viral content is understandable, it should not come at the expense of others’ well-being.

Community Response and Awareness

The Centereach incident sparked discussions within the community about the boundaries of acceptable behavior in the digital age. Local businesses expressed concerns over the potential for similar pranks to disrupt their operations and damage their reputations. Residents emphasized the importance of fostering a respectful and considerate online culture.

Broader Context: Similar Incidents

Centereach is not the only community to grapple with the repercussions of social media pranks. In February 2023, six individuals were arrested in Centereach for damaging fences as part of a supposed TikTok “Kool-Aid Man” challenge. Running through fences was part of the challenge, which caused serious property damage. Suffolk County police reported that a homeowner on Centereach’s Cobblestone Court heard loud noises and noticed on surveillance cameras that six males had knocked down parts of his fence. The individuals were charged with various offenses, including criminal mischief. (nbcnewyork.com)

In a similar vein, 20-year-old Centereach resident Thomas Brienza was arrested in August 2024 at Charleston International Airport in South Carolina for threatening to use a WMD as part of a practical joke for his TikTok channel. Brienza approached an officer at the airport and claimed to have a “bomb and a strap,” leading to his arrest on charges related to terrorism. (patch.com)

These incidents illustrate a troubling trend where individuals engage in reckless behavior for online notoriety, often without fully understanding the potential consequences.

The Role of Social Media Platforms

Social media sites have a significant impact on how people behave online. While they provide avenues for creativity and expression, they also have mechanisms to address harmful content. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have implemented policies to discourage dangerous pranks and promote positive engagement. However, the effectiveness of these measures depends on consistent enforcement and user education.

Educational Initiatives and Prevention

Educational initiatives are crucial to reducing the detrimental effects of social media pranks. Schools, community organizations, and online platforms should collaborate to teach young users about the importance of consent, respect, and the potential consequences of their online actions. Promoting digital literacy can empower individuals to make informed decisions and foster a safer online environment.

Conclusion

The case of Kyle Vazquez in Centereach serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities introduced by social media in our daily lives. While the desire for online fame is understandable, it should not overshadow the importance of ethical behavior and respect for others. As digital citizens, it is our responsibility to navigate the online world thoughtfully, ensuring that our actions contribute positively to the communities we are part of.

Jeffrey Childers
Journalist, editor, cybersecurity and computer science expert, social media management, roofing contractor.

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