A Florida man was taken into custody following reports from witnesses claiming he pursued a group of children who were playing pranks around his neighborhood. The man allegedly drove his car towards them recklessly at high speed, swerving in their direction.
John Albanos, 51, was charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, WINK reported.
As per the Naples Police Department, these three youngsters were engaged in “ding-dong-ditching” activities throughout the neighborhood when the individual, identified as Albanos, exited his home, entered his vehicle, and began driving after the children as they escaped on their scooters.
The children said they had to move out of the way because they feared he was going to hit them.
An adult observer reported hearing Albanos pursuing the kids while shouting at them. He informed the police that he ran out into his yard, attempting to distract Albanos, who in response yelled back and momentarily directed his car towards the witness before eventually departing the area.
The witness identified Albanos as the man driving the car at the children. Albanos was arrested on Saturday, Law&Crime reported. One of the children was 11, another was 12, and the age of the third was not known.
Albanos told police he wasn’t going to hit them but “wanted to put the fear of god into the victims,” an affidavit said.
Albanos was released on a $5,000 bond and is due back in court on August 4.
