Heartwarming Moment: Central Florida Deputy Comforts Arrested 12-Year-Old, Urging Self-Compassion in Viral Video

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A 12-year-old boy found himself in handcuffs following a “door-kicking challenge” in Deltona over the weekend, but newly released footage captures a poignant conversation between him and a Volusia County deputy, as reported by the sheriff’s office.

According to a statement from the sheriff’s office, the incident took place in Deltona during the weekend, but the boy’s arrest didn’t occur until Tuesday.

“He confessed to detectives that his actions were driven by boredom,” the statement reveals. “Even with numerous warnings, this hazardous trend persists in our community. Detectives are currently trying to identify three more individuals involved in a similar activity in Deltona last night in a separate incident.”

[RELATED: Deputies seek to identify minors involved in Deltona ‘door-kicking challenge’]

Body-camera footage released to the public shows the young boy seated in the back of a patrol car, as a school resource deputy engages him in conversation.

“Listen, you’re not a bad kid, bro. You just stop hanging out with people you’ve been hanging out with,” the deputy says. “Listen to mom. Listen to dad.”

The deputy is also heard telling the child that the arrest is “just a minor stepping stone,” assuring the 12-year-old, “You’ll be alright; I promise you.”

The two talk a little longer, before the boy claims, “I hate myself.”

“Ah, don’t hate yourself. You’ll be alright, buddy…” the deputy responds. “Listen, I promise you, you’re still gonna be able to become a cop.”

“You promise?” the boy asks.

“I promise,” the deputy says again.

[RELATED: Teen to be arrested after Deltona dog killed in viral door kick-in challenge]

Meanwhile, the sheriff’s office urged parents to speak with their children about the dangers of the so-called “door-kicking challenge,” warning that it could lead to a felony charge or even get someone killed.

“It’s a matter of time before one of these kids gets shot,” the sheriff’s office noted. “Florida residents will exercise their right to defend their home. You can recover from a lot of young, dumb mistakes, but a bullet to the chest might be a consequence you can’t overcome.”