Juvenile shot during late-night prank in Statesville neighborhood
A late-night prank ended in gunfire in Statesville, North Carolina, leaving a juvenile hospitalized and a homeowner facing multiple felony charges, according to police. Authorities say the incident stemmed from a group of teenagers playing “ding-dong ditch,” a common prank involving ringing doorbells and running away.
The shooting occurred around 11:20 p.m. Saturday in a residential neighborhood, prompting a rapid law enforcement response after deputies heard gunshots while conducting a traffic stop nearby.
Deputies respond after hearing gunfire during traffic stop
According to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were already in the area when they heard multiple gunshots coming from a nearby neighborhood. As they attempted to locate the source, authorities received a 911 call reporting a gunshot victim on Castle Pines Lane.
When officers arrived, they found an unoccupied vehicle stopped in the roadway with its passenger doors open, broken glass on the ground, and what appeared to be multiple bullet holes in the car.
Group of juveniles found nearby, one suffering gunshot wound
Deputies then located a group of five juveniles hiding in a nearby field. One juvenile had been shot in the leg and was transported to the hospital for treatment. As of Monday, the victim remained hospitalized while receiving medical care.
Investigators later determined the group had been driving through the neighborhood as part of a “ding-dong ditch” prank. Police said the group did not approach the shooter’s home during the prank.
Homeowner admits to firing at vehicle, police say
During the investigation, Craig Steven Mason, identified himself to deputies as the person who fired the shots. According to investigators, Mason told detectives he was asleep inside his home when he was awakened by loud noises in the neighborhood.
Police say Mason retrieved a handgun and went outside to investigate. He allegedly observed a vehicle driving through the neighborhood without headlights and fired multiple rounds toward the vehicle as it passed.
Authorities said the vehicle was struck four times, with one bullet hitting the juvenile passenger in the leg.
Multiple felony charges filed, no bond granted
On Monday, Mason was arrested and charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, four counts of felony assault with a deadly weapon, and felony discharging a weapon into an occupied vehicle causing serious bodily injury.
He is currently being held without bond while awaiting his first appearance before a district court judge. As of publication, Fox News Digital reported it was unable to locate an attorney representing Mason.
Investigation remains ongoing as community reacts
The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office declined further comment, citing an active investigation. Authorities continue to review surveillance footage and witness statements as part of the case.
The incident has reignited public concern over firearm use, neighborhood safety, and the potentially deadly consequences of split-second decisions. What began as a juvenile prank ended with a child hospitalized and a homeowner facing serious criminal charges—underscoring how quickly everyday situations can escalate into tragedy.
