Two Boys Arrested After Playing ‘Ding Dong Ditch’
In a turn of events that took an innocent prank to a whole new level, two boys aged 12 and 13 were arrested after playing “ding dong ditch” in a Waukesha neighborhood on Friday night.
The notorious game involves ringing someone’s doorbell and quickly running away before they can answer.
According to Waukesha Police, the boys were engaging in the prank when one of the neighbors became infuriated.
The man allegedly grabbed one of the boys, forced him into his car, and drove off.
The other boy, left shocked and terrified, could only watch as his friend was taken away.
“He was grabbed by his arm and pulled into a black vehicle,” one witness said, recounting the incident.
“The man said, ‘I’m going to kick your– if you do that again,’ before he got out and grabbed the friend.”
Fortunately, the police swiftly located the 61-year-old man within ten minutes and released the 12-year-old boy unharmed.
The man claimed that his intention was to take the boy to the police.
However, his actions have raised questions about appropriate responses to such pranks.
“I think it was uncalled for,” expressed a concerned neighbor.
“You don’t put your hands on someone else’s kid for any kind of reason unless maybe they hurt you physically or something like that.
I thought, ‘No, absolutely not.'”
Waukesha Police are now issuing a warning to parents, urging them to have conversations with their children about the potential consequences of seemingly harmless pranks.
However, they also emphasize that the focus should be on the adult’s behavior in this particular case.
“This was a big overreaction.
I mean, come on, he’s a kid,” another resident commented.
“Just be like, ‘Look, get off my property.
Don’t do that.’ I just think [the man] overreacted totally.”
The man who made the arrest was briefly taken into custody but has since been released.
The district attorney is currently considering criminal charges against him, including false imprisonment and intimidation of a victim.
As the investigation unfolds, the incident serves as a reminder that even innocent pranks can have serious consequences.
It is crucial for both children and adults to exercise caution and restraint in their actions, ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
