‘Ding dong ditch’ prank: Coffs Harbour man charged over alleged e
A 78-year-old man in Coffs Harbour has been charged with predatory driving after allegedly hitting two boys on e-bikes following a 'ding dong ditch' prank. The boys sustained minor injuries, and the incident has sparked local outrage regarding the driver's disproportionate response.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the dangers of road rage and the legal consequences of using a vehicle as a weapon against minors.
A 78-year-old man has been charged after allegedly driving into two boys on e-bikes following a Saturday night prank in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales.
Police say a group of children knocked on the man’s door about 8.30pm before riding away on e-bikes as part of a game known as “ding dong ditch”, in which they ring a doorbell and run off.
They say the home owner then got into his car and pursued the riders.
“The man allegedly mounted a gutter and continued following the boys along a nature strip before crashing into the back of an e-bike, throwing two boys from the bike.”
CCTV footage obtained by NBN News shows the car accelerating towards the boys, aged 11 and 12, before striking them and dragging them several metres. The footage then appears to show the driver reversing as the boys scramble away.
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