by Statesville, NC – A North Carolina man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly opening fire on a vehicle carrying juveniles who were playing the prank game known as “ding-dong ditch,” leaving one child hospitalized with a gunshot wound, according to local authorities.
The incident unfolded late Saturday night in a residential neighborhood in Statesville, prompting a swift response from law enforcement after gunshots were heard during an unrelated traffic stop.
Incident Overview
The shooting occurred around 11:20 p.m. Saturday when deputies with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office heard gunfire while conducting a traffic stop nearby. As deputies attempted to determine the source of the shots, they received a 911 call reporting a gunshot victim in the area of Castle Pines Lane.
Responding officers soon discovered a damaged vehicle and a group of juveniles nearby, one of whom had been struck by a bullet.
Timeline of Events
Deputies arriving near Absher Farm Loop found an unoccupied vehicle stopped in the roadway with its passenger doors open, broken glass on the ground, and visible bullet holes, authorities said.
Shortly afterward, officers located five juveniles hiding in a nearby field. One juvenile was suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg and was immediately provided medical attention before being transported to a hospital.
Investigators determined that the group had been driving through the neighborhood when shots were fired at their vehicle.
Details From Law Enforcement
During the investigation, Craig Steven Mason voluntarily approached deputies and identified himself as the shooter, according to a statement from the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.
“Mason told detectives he observed a vehicle driving through the neighborhood with no headlights on, and he fired multiple rounds toward the vehicle as it passed,” authorities stated.
Mason allegedly told investigators he had been asleep in his home when loud noises from the neighborhood woke him. Believing something suspicious was happening, he retrieved a handgun and went outside to investigate.
The vehicle was struck four times, and one of the bullets hit the juvenile passenger in the leg.
Key Facts in the Case
- Suspect: Craig Steven Mason
- Location: Statesville, North Carolina
- Time: Around 11:20 p.m. Saturday
- Victim: Juvenile, age not released
- Injury: Gunshot wound to the leg
- Vehicle damage: Four bullet strikes
- Charges:
- 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
Witness Accounts and Evidence
Authorities said their case was supported by witness interviews and surveillance video collected from the neighborhood. The evidence confirmed that the juveniles had been playing “ding-dong ditch,” a prank involving ringing doorbells and running away, but investigators noted that Mason’s residence was not targeted.
The group was reportedly moving through the neighborhood when the shooting occurred, contradicting any claim that Mason’s home was directly involved in the prank activity.
Additional Context on “Ding-Dong Ditch”
“Ding-dong ditch” is a long-standing prank commonly associated with juveniles, particularly in suburban neighborhoods. While often dismissed as harmless mischief, law enforcement officials caution that misunderstandings can quickly escalate, especially when firearms are involved.
According to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, the situation highlights the dangers of reacting with deadly force to perceived threats without clear identification or immediate danger, as outlined in their official statement.
Conclusion
The shooting has left one juvenile recovering in the hospital and a local resident facing serious felony charges. Craig Steven Mason remains in custody with no bond as he awaits his first appearance before a district court judge. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing evidence and witness statements.
Incidents like this raise important questions about neighborhood safety, firearm responsibility, and youth behavior. Share your experiences in the comments below and let us know how communities can better prevent situations like this from escalating into violence.
