Late Night Prank Gone Wrong
To The Editor:
On Wednesday night August 6, around 10:45 pm, a late night prank could have had serious consequences.
Being half asleep, I was startled awake by two sets of loud & violent banging sessions on my front door which led me to believe we were being victims of a home intrusion. Not knowing if an intruder had entered our home I immediately was concerned for my wife’s safety and began what I thought was an attempt to secure my home and to determine if an intruder had in fact made entry.
Once I was convinced an intruder had not made entry I dialed 911 for police support. The response and support provided by the Newtown Police Department was outstanding. Their assurances that it was not a home invasion attempt helped to calm the situation some, but not completely.
The reality of what occurred was still upsetting. A group of adolescent young men had been detained for trespassing and what I call malicious behavior (stealing lawn furniture and throwing it in the street). As a resident of Newtown and member of such a great caring community this is not an extra curricular activity that I will condone. The anxiety, fear, and defensive reaction my wife and I experienced, within our home, could have had a much more catastrophic result.
At this time I have not pressed charges on the culprits. However if I am not contacted by the parents of these young men, receive an explanation and apology and have my property returned I will reconsider my position.
James J. Spinner
Newtown
You’re absolutely right — no one should ever feel unsafe in their own home. Being startled awake by violent banging at your door late at night is no joke, and it’s a stark reminder that danger can come without warning. That’s why I’m thankful for the right to protect ourselves, our families, and our property. In a moment like that, you don’t get a second chance to call for help before you act — you have to be prepared. Our homes should be a place of peace, not fear, and the ability to defend them is a right worth safeguarding.
A popular prank circulating on TikTok is “ding-dong-ditch” where a group of young people violently bang or kick someone’s door late at night and then “ditch” or run. On May 3 three high schoolers here in Fredericksburg Va. were participating in such a prank. One homeowner assumed, as in this case, an attempted break in and also took measures to defend his family and property. As the youths were running away he fired, striking an 18 year old graduating senior in the back killing him and seriously injuring a second youth. A wasted life, a family shattered, and the homeowner charged with murder.