Coronado, Calif.— A teenage prank of ringing doorbells and running away turned dangerous in Coronado last Tuesday, leading to a firework explosion that injured two teenagers. Authorities are now investigating the incident in which a homeowner allegedly retaliated against the prank players by setting off fireworks.
The event unfolded late at night after a group of teenagers engaged in what is known as “ding-dong ditch,” where they rang the doorbells of several homes and then fled before the residents could answer the door. According to some residents, this has happened before, but the repercussions this time were unexpected and severe.
Witnesses claim that after the teenagers rang the doorbell of a particular house, the homeowner, reportedly infuriated by the prank, responded by throwing lit fireworks at the fleeing group. The resulting explosion not only startled the neighborhood but also resulted in injuries to two of the teenagers—one sustaining minor burns and the other suffering more serious injuries requiring medical attention.
The Coronado Police Department confirmed that they received multiple calls about the incident and dispatched officers to the scene. The authorities have identified the homeowner involved and are currently contemplating pressing charges pending a thorough investigation.
Legal experts suggest that the homeowner could face charges ranging from reckless endangerment to assault with a deadly weapon, depending on the circumstances and outcomes of the ongoing investigation.
Community reactions have been mixed. Some residents argue that the continuous pranks are a nuisance and can be very disturbing, especially late at night. Others believe that no matter how frustrating the pranks, the response should never be violent or endanger lives.
Local authorities are urging the community to consider more constructive ways to deal with neighborhood disturbances, suggesting mediation or community policing as alternatives.
Safety experts also warn about the dangers of misusing fireworks, pointing out that they are not only illegal without proper permits but are also hazardous and can lead to serious injuries or fires, especially in residential areas.
The incident has sparked discussions around neighborhood safety, the use of fireworks, and appropriate responses to pranks. Community leaders are planning a meeting to address these issues and to develop strategies that could prevent such occurrences in the future.
In light of the event, there is a strong push for increased awareness and educational campaigns on lawful and safe behaviors to foster a safer environment in community neighborhoods.