A Texas man now faces three felony charges after firing shots at teenagers who were attempting a “ding-dong-ditch” prank at his home in July.
The incident occurred on the evening of July 28 on Scottsdale Way, according to a statement from the Frisco Police Department on Monday, Aug. 18. Around 10:50 p.m., officers were dispatched following a report that a man had fired at someone who allegedly tried to kick down his door.
During their investigation, police discovered that 58-year-old Damon Wolfe left his home after hearing a loud bang on his door. Believing the occupants of a passing car were involved, he fired multiple rounds at the vehicle.
Later that night, FPD responded to a report of a vehicle being shot at. Initially, the driver and two passengers claimed the incident occurred on a different street. After further interviews, the teens admitted they had been performing a “ding-dong-ditch” prank in a random neighborhood when a man fired at their car. Officers observed what appeared to be three bullet holes in the vehicle.
Wolfe was arrested by the Frisco Police Department on Aug. 7 and charged with three counts of aggravated assault—one for each person in the car. The charges carry potential prison sentences ranging from two to 20 years and fines up to $10,000.
“What started out as a prank, ding-dong ditching a house, turned into something that could have had deadly consequences,” Frisco Police Chief David Shilson told CBS News Texas. “We found the vehicle later in the evening. The teens did not initially want to report it because they were out performing these pranks, and I don’t think they realized the gravity of what had occurred.”
The FPD chief is cautioning parents about the risks associated with popular online challenges.
“The teens involved in this case are fortunate they were not seriously injured or killed. For homeowners, it’s crucial to understand the legal and criminal consequences of running outside and firing at a fleeing vehicle,” Shilson said.
He added, “The bullets fired in this incident could have easily struck neighboring houses and caused deadly consequences. The situation was completely senseless and avoidable.”
