What started as a harmless round of ding-dong ditch spiraled into an actual nightmare when a Florida man allegedly decided he’d had enough childish games and turned his car into a weapon. According to Naples police, 51-year-old John Albanos has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault with the intent to commit a felony after reportedly chasing down three minors with his vehicle in a fit of rage.
The incident unfolded just after 8:45 p.m. in a quiet Naples neighborhood home to an RV and mobile home park where kids were simply doing what kids do. Ringing doorbells and running off laughing. That laughter quickly turned to fear when one angry resident, later identified as Albanos, allegedly stormed out of his home. He angrily jumped into his car and began chasing the kids down like a scene straight out of a low-budget thriller.
The three children, ages 11, 12, and one unknown, told officers they were on scooters and heading home when they noticed a car speeding toward them. And it wasn’t a coincidence. Albanos allegedly swerved toward them repeatedly, screaming as he tried to run them off the road. The terrified Florida kids had to veer into a yard to avoid being hit more than once.
Florida Tweens Flee For Their Lives
A neighbor who heard the chaos saw Albanos’ car speeding behind the boys and watched him turn around and aim directly at them again. This time down a neighboring driveway. The Good Samaritan jumped into action, trying to distract Albanos and draw him away. That almost worked until the driver allegedly turned his rage on the adult instead.
When police confronted Albanos, he didn’t deny it. In fact, he allegedly told officers he wanted to “put the fear of God into the victims.” However, it turns out that, isn’t a valid legal defense when you’re chasing children with a car, according to Law & Crime.
He was arrested and processed at the Naples, Florida, Jail Center. He was later released on a $5,000 bond. Two sets of parents confirmed they wanted to press charges, and Albanos is due in court on August 4.
The angry Florida man took “teach them a lesson” way too literally. Turning a harmless prank into a potential felony stunt backfired for him. Looks like he will learn a tough and costly lesson. As for the kids, they probably won’t be ringing any more doorbells. At least anytime soon.
Hunter Spears 
Kenna Raye 
