A Texas man has been arrested after allegedly opening fire on teenagers who rang his doorbell as part of a prank.
Authorities say 58-year-old Damon Wolfe is facing three counts of aggravated assault following the late-night incident outside his Frisco home.
According to the Frisco Police Department, the confrontation happened on July 28, around 10:50 p.m., when officers responded to Scotssdale Way after receiving reports of gunfire. Wolfe himself allegedly called police, claiming he had “shot at someone who tried to kick in his door.”
Investigators say Wolfe left his home after hearing a loud noise, then stepped into the street and fired multiple shots at a vehicle driving away. Police later determined that the car was carrying local teens who had been playing the doorbell-ringing prank known as “ding dong ditch.”
Officers located the vehicle on Hawk Creek Drive and discovered three bullet holes. Following the investigation, a judge approved three separate warrants—one for each of the teens involved.
Wolfe was arrested on August 7 and charged with three felony counts of aggravated assault. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Frisco Police Chief David Shilson addressed the incident, warning both pranksters and homeowners about the risks.
“What started out as a prank, ding dong ditching a house, turned into something that could have potentially had deadly consequences,” Shilson told CBS News Texas. “The teens involved in this case are very fortunate they were not shot and killed or seriously injured.”
Shilson also noted that residents who react with violence could face serious legal consequences. “The bullets fired in this offense could have easily struck neighbors’ houses and had deadly consequences. This entire incident is completely senseless and avoidable had better decisions been made by all involved,” he said.
