North Carolina Man Arrested for Shooting Boy During Prank
A man from North Carolina has been arrested following a tragic shooting incident involving a boy who was playing “ding dong ditch” in a neighborhood. According to police, this occurred late Saturday night in Statesville.
Officers from the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office were in the middle of a traffic stop when they heard gunfire nearby. As they responded to the sounds of shooting, a 911 call came in reporting a person shot on Castle Pines Lane.
Upon arrival, law enforcement found an abandoned vehicle with its door ajar, broken glass in the vicinity, and a bullet hole inside the car. Nearby, a group of five juveniles was located in a field. One of the boys had sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, which was quite concerning.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the group was driving through the area when someone opened fire, injuring the boy. As authorities collected evidence—including witness interviews and surveillance footage—they became aware of Craig Steven Mason, who identified himself as the shooter.
Mason told investigators that he had been asleep but was roused by a loud noise from a house nearby. Grabbing his handgun, he went outside to check it out. Then, he claimed to have spotted a vehicle moving through the neighborhood without its headlights on, leading him to fire several shots at it. The vehicle was struck four times, resulting in the injury to the boy.
Detectives later found that the group had been participating in the prank, which involves ringing doorbells and running away—though it seems they did not approach Mason’s home directly.
Mason has been charged with multiple felonies, including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and is being held without bond as he awaits a court appearance. As of now, there has been no attorney found to represent him. The juvenile victim remains hospitalized as he receives treatment for his injuries.
The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office has opted not to comment further, citing the ongoing investigation.
