A trigger-happy homeowner fired multiple gunshots at a group of young “ding-dong-ditchers” who had just knocked on his door and run off, according to authorities.
Yarvis Godfrey, 33, was arrested Sunday after he allegedly opened fire at the pranksters’ car as it fled his property in the Cincinnati suburb of Green Township, reported WXIX.
Police later found shell casings and a semi-automatic pistol with a green laser at Godfrey’s home, according to an affidavit seen by WXIX.
Bullet holes also discovered in the trunk of the pranksters’ black Kia Rio and in the siding of two nearby homes, while a .45-caliber shell casing was found on the road in front of Godfrey’s house, court records show.
None of the youngsters was struck in the shooting.
The four juveniles told police they drove to the home to “ding-dong-ditch,” banged on its front door and then jumped back in their vehicle to leave, according to the affidavit.
They drove to a nearby cul-de-sac, turned around and drove back up the street, passing Godfrey’s home again, according to the affidavit.
That’s when they saw a man holding a gun with a green light or laser standing near the street before he fired multiple rounds at their vehicle, court records claim.
The juveniles fled to another cul-de-sac while Godfrey followed them and confronted the four as police arrived, according to the affidavit.
Godfrey was charged with felonious assault, improperly discharging a firearm at or into a habitation or school safety zone and two counts of discharge of a firearm on or near prohibited premises, court records show.
The incident is the latest violent altercation after “ding-dong-ditch” pranks started surging in popularity on social media in recent years.
In January, a North Carolina homeowner was arrested after he allegedly shot a juvenile who was taking part in the prank on houses on his street.
Craig Steven Mason told investigators he fired multiple rounds at a vehicle driving without headlights past his Statesville home after he was woken by the sound of banging on his neighbor’s door.
In September, a Texas man was charged with fatally shooting an 11-year-old boy playing “ding-dong-ditch” on his Houston home.
Gonzalo Leon Jr., 42, is accused of gunning down Julian Guzman just moments after the child rang his doorbell.
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