North Texas man arrested for shooting at teens over ding-dong ditch prank: cops
A 58-year-old North Texas man was arrested after he shot at a car full of teenagers following a ding-dong ditch prank at his home, Frisco police said.
Officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 6500 block of Scottsdale Way about 11 p.m. on July 28. The caller reported that he had shot at someone who tried to kick in his door, police said in a news release on Monday, Aug. 18.
Investigators determined that the suspect, Damon Wolfe of Frisco, came out of his house in response to a loud bang on his door. He then ran into the street and fired multiple rounds at a passing vehicle because he believed the occupants to be involved, police said.
Later that night, officers responded to the 12300 block of Hawk Creek Drive to take a report about a vehicle being shot at. Three teenagers told police their car was fired upon while they were driving north on Legacy Drive. Officers found what appeared to be three bullet holes in the car, police said.
During follow-up interviews, the teens admitted they had been taking part in “ding-dong ditching,” a prank where people ring a doorbell or knock and run away before the resident answers, when they were confronted by a man with a gun, police said.
Based on the investigation and neighborhood surveillance video, detectives determined Wolfe will face a charge of aggravated assault against the three teens, police said.
Wolfe was taken into custody at the Frisco Police Department on Aug. 7.
“Parents please talk to your kids about the dangers of participating in these types of TikTok challenges,” Frisco Police Chief David Shilson said in the release. “The teens involved in this case are very fortunate they were not shot and killed or seriously injured.”
“For homeowners, it is important to understand that there are legal and criminal consequences for running outside and shooting at a vehicle fleeing the scene,” the police chief said. “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.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Frisco Police Department’s non-emergency number at 972-292-6010 or submit a tip using Tip411 (text FRISCOPD + the tip to 847411).