A Texas man who fired shots at teenagers attempting a “ding-dong-ditch” prank at his home in July is now facing three felony counts.
The incident occurred on Scottsdale Way on the evening of July 28, according to a Frisco Police Department statement released on Monday, Aug. 18. Frisco police were dispatched to the scene around 10:50 p.m. after receiving a report from a person who claimed he fired shots at someone attempting to kick down his door, according to police.
During their investigation, police discovered that the suspect, Damon Wolfe, 58, left his home after hearing a loud bang on the door. He fired multiple rounds at a passing car, believing the occupants were involved, according to police.
Later that evening, FPD responded to a call about a vehicle being shot at. According to police, the driver and two passengers first claimed to have been shot at while on a different street. Following additional interviews, the group admitted they were playing a “ding-dong-ditch” prank in a random neighborhood when a male with a firearm fired shots at their car, according to police. Officers discovered three apparent bullet holes in the car.
On August 7, the Frisco Police Department arrested Wolfe on three counts of aggravated assault, one for each person in the vehicle. According to police, the charges carry a potential sentence of two to twenty years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
“What started out as a prank, ding dong ditching a house, turned into something that could of potentially had deadly consequences,” Frisco Police Chief David Shilson told CBS News Texas. “We found the vehicle later in the evening, shortly after the incident, the kids did not want to report it because certainly they were out doing these pranks, and I don’t think they realize the gravity of everything that had occurred.”
The FPD chief is warning parents of teenagers about the risks associated with popular online challenges.
“The teens involved in this case are extremely fortunate that they were not shot and killed or seriously injured.” Shilson said in a statement that homeowners should be aware that there are legal and criminal consequences for running outside and shooting at a fleeing vehicle.
“The bullets fired in this offense could have easily struck neighbors’ houses and had deadly consequences,” she said. He went on to describe the incident as “completely senseless and avoidable.”
PEOPLE has reached out to the FPD for more information.
