A man from Missouri was arrested on Thursday for allegedly chasing down and holding four young individuals at gunpoint after they played a game of “ding-dong ditch” at his door. The game involves ringing or knocking on someone’s door and then running away.
40-year-old Melvin Rankin faces several felony charges, including unlawful use of a weapon and robbery, related to the incident that occurred on Sunday.
After the young individuals fled in their car, Rankin reportedly pursued them and forced them to lie down at gunpoint, taking their car key, as stated in a Springfield police affidavit obtained by JS.
The young individuals, whose identities and ages were not disclosed, were having a meal at IHOP when they decided to play the game in Rankin’s neighborhood, according to the affidavit. They visited his home last.
