North Carolina Man Arrested After Shooting at Teens Playing “Ding-Dong Ditch,” Leaving Juvenile Hospitalized
IREDELL COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA – A North Carolina man is facing multiple felony charges after deputies say he opened fire on a vehicle carrying teenagers who were playing a late-night prank known as “ding-dong ditch,” seriously injuring one juvenile over the weekend.
According to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were conducting a traffic stop around 11:20 p.m. Saturday on Taylorsville Highway when they heard multiple gunshots coming from a nearby neighborhood. Officers immediately responded to the area of Absher Farm Loop, where they located the scene of the shooting.
Deputies Find Injured Teen and Evidence of Gunfire
When deputies arrived, they found a vehicle with passenger doors open and broken glass scattered on the ground, indicating shots had been fired directly into the car. Five juveniles were located at the scene, one of whom was suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.
Emergency responders from Iredell County EMS transported the injured juvenile to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center for emergency medical treatment. Authorities confirmed that the teen remains hospitalized as of the latest update. Law enforcement officials emphasized that the juveniles were unarmed and had been inside the vehicle when the shooting occurred.
Shooter Identifies Himself During Investigation
During the investigation, deputies said Craig Steven Mason identified himself as the shooter. Mason reportedly told investigators he was awakened by loud noises coming from his neighbor’s residence, prompting him to look outside.
According to the sheriff’s office, Mason claimed he saw a vehicle driving through the neighborhood with its headlights off. As the vehicle passed by, he fired multiple rounds toward it, striking at least one occupant. Investigators later determined that the teenagers had been playing “ding-dong ditch,” a prank involving ringing doorbells or knocking on doors and then running away.
Charges Filed Against Craig Steven Mason
Deputies arrested Mason and charged him with multiple serious felonies, including:
- Felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury
- Four counts of felony assault with a deadly weapon
- Felony discharging a weapon into an occupied vehicle causing serious bodily injury
Authorities described the charges as severe due to the number of shots fired and the presence of juveniles inside the vehicle at the time of the shooting.
No Bond Issued as Investigation Continues
Mason was brought before a magistrate, where he was denied bond. The sheriff’s office stated that additional charges could still be filed as the investigation continues and further evidence is reviewed.
Officials have not released details about the firearm used or how many rounds were fired, but confirmed that the shooting occurred within minutes of deputies hearing the gunfire during the traffic stop.
Community Concerns and Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement officials urged residents to remember that pranks and disturbances do not justify the use of deadly force, especially when minors are involved. The incident has raised serious concerns within the community about vigilante reactions and gun violence in residential neighborhoods.
The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office said the case remains under active investigation, and more information will be released as it becomes available. Anyone with additional information related to the incident is encouraged to contact local authorities. What are your thoughts on this case and the charges filed? Share your perspective and stay informed with continued coverage at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
