Residents in York, Pennsylvania, were left shaken after doorbell footage captured a masked individual leaving an empty box on a doorstep while ominously calling themselves the “Box Demon.” The disturbing midnight encounter, featuring a colorful homemade mask and eerie voice, triggered a police investigation and widespread fear across the neighborhood. Authorities have now identified the person behind the stunt, but have withheld their name.
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The Nighttime Encounter
The Northern York County Regional Police were alerted on Tuesday after a resident reported a masked figure approaching her home around 4:22 a.m. The person wore a clown-like paper-plate mask decorated with flower-shaped tissue paper, exaggerated teeth, and large eye holes. “The person, wearing a mask, brought an empty box to the homeowner’s front door,” police said in a statement. The unsettling moment was recorded by a doorbell camera, capturing the stranger’s chilling introduction.
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The Disturbing Doorbell Message
In the footage released by authorities, the masked individual leaned into the doorbell camera and spoke in a distorted voice, saying, “I am the box demon. I am the box demon. I leave you with this gift. This box is a gift for you.” The box itself was later found to be empty. Police noted that the homeowner did not recognize the person and had no idea what the term “Box Demon” meant or represented.
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Community Fear and Confusion
The bizarre incident quickly spread across local social media groups, sparking panic and speculation. Many residents feared it was a prelude to a break-in or an attempted prank gone too far. Police urged the community to report any information that could help identify the “Box Demon.” One commenter online described the act as “something straight out of a horror film,” while others locked their doors tighter that night.
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Police Identification and Response
Soon after the footage went public, police confirmed they had identified the individual behind the mask. “The homeowner who had the box placed on her doorstep was made aware of the identification and does not wish to speak any further regarding this incident,” Lt. Gregg Anderson said. Authorities also stated they had spoken to the “Box Demon” directly, assuring residents there were “no longer any public safety concerns.”
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The Homeowner Speaks Out
The homeowner, Tammy McAnnaney, told local outlet WGAL that she was shaken by the encounter. “It could have been a bad situation. You just don’t do that. It is very dangerous,” she said. Expressing anger and disbelief, she added, “I’m angry. I don’t know who would be too happy with having somebody ringing your doorbell at 4:22 in the morning. Do something constructive with yourself.” McAnnaney said she had no idea who the person was and destroyed the box after police examined her home for fingerprints.
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Police Caution and Public Reaction
While police have confirmed there is no ongoing threat, the strange act raised concerns about potential copycat behavior. Residents remain uneasy, and officials emphasized that such actions, even if meant as pranks, can lead to dangerous misunderstandings. “It could have ended badly,” one officer noted, warning that approaching homes uninvited at night can provoke defensive reactions.
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Online Theories and Game Connection
As footage circulated online, internet users speculated that the “Box Demon” might have been inspired by a character in Dandy’s World, a Roblox survival-horror game. The game features eerie characters and a gameplay style focused on surviving multiple levels of fear-inducing scenarios. While police have not confirmed any link, the resemblance between the mask and the game’s character fueled online debates about the boundaries between virtual horror and real-life actions.