NY homeowner faces harassment charge after tackling teen who rang his doorbell and ran
By APThursday, July 22, 2010
NY man faces charges for tackling teen prankster
BETHLEHEM, N.Y. — A New York homeowner faces charges of child endangerment and harassment after tackling a teen who rang his doorbell late at night as part of a prank called “ding dong ditch.”
Daniel Van Plew told police he was in his underwear and preparing to go to bed Saturday night when he chased four teenagers who pounded on his back door, rang his front doorbell and then ran. He caught a 14-year-old boy and made him wait in his home while he called police.
Van Plew, a pharmaceutical executive, must answer the misdemeanor and violation charges in town court on Aug. 3.
Van Plew contends that he feared for his family’s safety. His attorney, Peter Gerstenzang, calls his client’s reaction “pretty moderate” given the circumstances.
The teen faces no charges.
