North Carolina Man Charged After Shooting Child During Prank

A neighborhood prank turned into a felony investigation in Statesville after a homeowner allegedly opened fire on a group of children. The incident occurred late Saturday night on January 3, 2026, leaving one juvenile hospitalized with a gunshot wound.

Gunfire Heard During Traffic Stop

The situation began around 11:20 p.m. when Iredell County deputies heard shots while nearby on a traffic stop. Shortly after, a 911 call reported a victim on Castle Pines Drive.

Sheriff Darren Campbell stated: "Deputies located an unoccupied vehicle stopped in the roadway with passenger doors open, broken glass on the ground, and apparent bullet holes in the vehicle." Nearby, they found five children in a field, including one with a leg injury.

Shooter Claims He Was Investigating

Detectives discovered the group was playing "ding-dong ditch," a prank where people ring doorbells and run away. The children had not approached the shooter’s home.

The homeowner, Craig Steven Mason, eventually identified himself as the shooter. According to investigators, Mason claimed he was woken up by noise, grabbed a handgun, and saw a vehicle passing by with no headlights.

Sheriff Campbell stated: "He stated that he retrieved a handgun and went outside to investigate the incident." Mason admitted he "fired multiple rounds toward the vehicle as it passed."

Serious Charges and No Bond

Mason faces several felony charges, including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. He was arrested on Monday and is currently being held without bond. The injured child remains in the hospital as the investigation continues.

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