HARRISON, ME – A 30-year-old man in Maine is facing multiple charges after allegedly firing 14 rounds from a handgun at a group of teenagers who were playing a prank on him, according to local law enforcement. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday in Harrison, following numerous reports of gunshots and screams.
The police investigation revealed that the man, identified as Vincent Martin, responded to the teenagers’ “ding-dong-ditch” prank by firing his 9mm handgun at them. The prank involved the teens ringing the doorbell at Martin’s residence on 91 Waterford Road and then running away.
Upon arrival at the scene, deputies discovered blood on the street. Shortly after, a victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, checked into Bridgton Hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the right calf.
Martin was subsequently arrested and charged with aggravated assault and reckless conduct, among other charges. He is currently being held on a $5,000 cash bail. A judge has ordered Martin to refrain from contacting any of the teenagers involved in the incident and from using or purchasing firearms and ammunition.
Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce commented on the incident, expressing his disapproval of both the teenagers’ prank and Martin’s violent response. He noted that while the teenagers’ actions were inappropriate, Martin’s decision to fire a weapon at them was a significant issue.
Joyce further added that people may be misconstruing their right to defend their homes and families, potentially taking it too far, as in this case. He also expressed his concern about the current societal climate, where it seems everyone is on edge.
The sheriff also made it clear that he does not condone the “ding-dong-ditch” prank, stating that it should be abandoned and not revisited. This incident follows a similar case in Canada where an 85-year-old man was recommended for charges after allegedly ramming his car into two teenagers who had played a doorbell prank on him.