AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 28, 2026
Social Media Stunt Leads to Serious Injury in Ocala
Three young men have been arrested in connection with a tiktok haircut stunt that took place on a busy Ocala roadway, resulting in one individual being hospitalized with serious injuries. The incident occurred on the evening of September 27, 2026, and has drawn attention to the risks of dangerous online challenges and social media stunts in public areas.
Details of the Ocala Road Incident
According to the Ocala Police Department, Christopher Coleman, 20; Andrew Costa-De Souza, 19; and Ruben Rodriguez, 18, orchestrated a video stunt on SW College Road. The group removed a chair from a nearby restaurant and placed it in the center of the road. Rodriguez sat in the chair as Costa-De Souza cut his hair while Coleman recorded the act, attempting to capture content for social media.
Traffic Crash Leads to Hospitalization
While the haircut video was being filmed, authorities reported that a nearby traffic crash ocala caused a Chevrolet 3500 pickup truck to veer unexpectedly toward the group. Coleman and Costa-De Souza managed to move out of the way, but Rodriguez—who was sitting with his back to oncoming traffic—was struck by the vehicle and suffered serious injuries, leading to his hospitalization.
Criminal Charges and Arrests
All three men have since been arrested and face charges of unlawful assembly and dangerous use of public rights-of-way. Andrew Costa-De Souza was taken into custody at Orlando International Airport upon returning from out of the country, and subsequently booked into Marion County Jail. The case highlights growing concerns about content creator risks and the potential for harm when attempting to film viral social media stunts in public spaces.
Witness Accounts and Police Findings
Yaj Lerom, a witness at the scene, described feeling unsettled by the dangerous social media stunt. "I got goosebumps and I got them again. I get it every time I talk about it because it’s, being a content creator, I don’t want to sound hypocritical because I’m in some crazy places, but I’m not putting myself out there," Lerom said. Police reported there were no signs of impairment for either driver involved in the original crash that led to the collision with Rodriguez.
Incident Spurs Conversation on Safety in Social Media Challenges
The haircut video accident has become a focal point for discussions about the consequences of dangerous online challenges and the legal risks associated with obstructing public rights of way. As youth increasingly pursue viral fame through online trends, officials urge caution and responsible behavior to prevent further harm in similar youth arrested ocala cases.
Source: clickorlando.com.
