Full Breakdown
Mount Pleasant Man Charged After Tackling Juveniles Over Ding Dong Ditch Incident
6/4/2026, 7:58:23 PM
Incident Overview
On June 1, 2026, Chad Robert Larsen, 50, of Mount Pleasant tackled two juveniles on an e-bike after they rang his doorbell and fled. He knocked them off, held one, and dragged the other into his home. Police found him inside behind a broken glass-door handle and detained him. The child was taken to East Cooper Medical Center; injury details were not released.
Background & Timeline
Report says a group of children repeatedly rang Larsen’s doorbell and fled for about two weeks—a prank called “ding-dong-ditching.” On June 1, Larsen waited in a neighbor’s shrubbery, tackled the youths as they passed, and dragged one inside. Police responded, broke the door handle, and arrested him. A judge denied bond on the kidnapping charge on June 2.
Key Figures, Charges & Statistics
Chad Robert Larsen, 50, faces kidnapping, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, and third-degree assault and battery. Two juveniles on an electric bike were involved. The incident occurred at Planters Curve in Mount Pleasant. The child was taken to East Cooper Medical Center.
Official Statements & Responses
The Mount Pleasant Police Department called the incident a disturbance involving e-bike riders and a neighbor. Officers recorded that Larsen admitted the assault, acknowledged holding a rock, and said he entered the home to protect the child from other youths. The department filed charges and ordered Larsen to remain detained at the Al Cannon Detention Center. An officer noted that Larsen acknowledged his wrongdoing but continued to blame the juveniles.
Criticism & Community Concerns
A neighbor who saw the confrontation said Larsen “took a juvenile into the home against the child’s will,” expressing alarm. This, combined with the officer’s note about Larsen’s continued blaming of the youths, shows local opposition to his actions.
On-the-Ground Accounts & Gaps
A 911 caller heard a child say he was being choked. The neighbor heard a commotion and confronted Larsen. EMS evaluated the child, but the medical report did not disclose injuries. No statements from the juveniles or their guardians were provided, and it is unclear whether any prior complaints about the ding-dong-ditching were filed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He told me that he knows what he did was wrong, but he continued to speak as though the juveniles were the ones doing wrong,” — Mount Pleasant police officer (police report)
- “I should hit you with this rock.” — Chad Robert Larsen (as reported to police)
- “A caller told dispatchers they could hear a child in the background saying he was being choked, according to the report.” — 911 caller (dispatch report)
- “Larsen told officers he brought the juvenile inside because he was concerned about what the others might do.” — Chad Robert Larsen (as reported to police)
What’s Next
Larsen remains detained at the Al Cannon Detention Center pending a preliminary hearing. The kidnapping charge carries a potential prison term, and the assault charges may add further sentencing if convicted. The case is slated for trial in Cooper County circuit court.
