Ding dong ditch, also known as “ring and run,” is a classic prank among kids and teenagers: someone rings a doorbell or knocks on a door and then quickly runs away before the resident answers.
While this prank is widely recognized as a harmless act of mischief, many wonder about its legal status, especially in light of recent high-profile cases involving law enforcement responses in Delaware.
No Specific Law Against Ding Dong Ditch
In Delaware, there is no statute that explicitly makes ding dong ditch illegal. The act of ringing a doorbell or knocking on a door and immediately leaving does not, by itself, constitute a criminal offense. However, the situation can change if the prank escalates or involves additional actions that violate other laws.
When Could It Become Illegal?
Property Damage: If the prankster kicks the door or otherwise causes damage to property, they could be charged with criminal mischief or disorderly conduct.
Trespassing: Entering private property without permission—such as walking onto a porch or yard when the resident has posted “No Trespassing” signs—can lead to trespassing charges.
Harassment: Repeatedly targeting the same residence could be considered harassment under certain circumstances.
Recent Case in Delaware
A widely reported incident in Elsmere, Delaware, highlighted the potential for escalation. In August 2023, a group of teenagers played ding dong ditch at the home of Delaware State Police Corporal Dempsey Walters. One of the teens kicked the door before running away, which startled Walters’ girlfriend.
The police response was significant, and ultimately, Walters was charged and later pleaded guilty to assaulting two teenagers—one who was involved in the prank and another who was not—after the incident escalated far beyond the original prank.
The legal focus in this case was not on the prank itself, but on the law enforcement officer’s excessive and violent response. Walters was indicted on charges including assault, official misconduct, and deprivation of civil rights, and later pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and civil rights violations, marking the first use of Delaware’s new civil rights law in such a context.
Sources:
1. https://whyy.org/articles/delaware-trooper-charged-assault-teenagers-ding-dong-ditch-prank/
2. https://apnews.com/article/trooper-assault-doorbell-prank-police-accountability-delaware-
