‘Ding Dong Ditching’ Prank Went Much Too Far for Group of La Grange Teens
La Grange Police Chief David Gilbreath said a group of local teens face criminal charges over a prank that he said could have easily turned deadly.
The prank, known on social media as “Ding Dong Ditching,” involves teenagers who ring a doorbell at random homes and run away before anyone answers. Teens film the escapade and post the video on social media for clout.
Gilbreath said this group of local teens took the prank a step further by kicking-in a front door on Rose Mayer Loop. It happened around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, March 12.
“The home was occupied by a father and a small child,” Gilbreath said. “The father ran to the door with a gun to protect his family. He saw them driving off. He didn’t know what was going on. He woke up to a loud boom.”
Gilbreath said the father reasonably feared for his family’s safety, thinking it was a home invasion. Gilbreath said he worries if this happens again, a resident might shoot and kill a teenage prankster.
“This has got to stop,” Gilbreath said.
Gilbreath said his department received eight similar complaints in recent weeks.
“They’ve been riding around La Grange for a month and a half, stopping at houses and kicking on the front door,” Gilbreath said.
Gilbreath said he and Officer Stephen Haynie are investigating the case. They identified several juvenile suspects between the ages of 15 and 17. Gilbreath said Ring devices, a type of doorbell that records video, have been extremely helpful in identifying the suspects.
Gilbreath said he expects to apprehend all of the suspects by the end of this week. They will be charged with criminal mischief, Gilbreath said. He said anyone caught kicking in doors could be charged with burglary of a habitation, a felony.
The door to the home on Rose Mayer Loop will cost at least $500 to replace. Police are working to identify other property owners who suffered damages due to the prank.
“They will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Gilbreath said.