Teen bullying suspects' vehicle targeted in shooting by father
In San Mateo, California, a father, Craig Steven Miceli, 54, faces multiple charges for reportedly responding violently to alleged bullying against his daughter. The incident took place early Sunday morning, according to the San Mateo Police Department.
Intending to target the vehicle tires of the teens he believed had been bullying his daughter, Miceli fired two rounds from a handgun down the street at their vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries occurred. A closer examination revealed that the teens had earlier egged Miceli's house and poured canola oil on the steps.
Miceli has been charged with several felonies, including assault with a firearm, shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, and weapon-related charges. The District Attorney, Steve Wagstaffe, denounced Miceli's response, stating that it moved the case beyond teenage pranks into the realm of criminal conduct.
According to Wagstaffe, using a firearm in such circumstances is unlawful regardless of bullying claims. On Tuesday, Miceli pleaded not guilty during his arraignment, with his next court appearance set for June 9. As of now, his attorney has not provided a comment.
The San Mateo Police Department has expressed concern about the impact of bullying in such situations, highlighting the potential for other tragic events. They encourage those experiencing bullying to seek their support to prevent such incidents.
In a separate matter, Wagstaffe expressed hope that the teenagers involved would learn a valuable lesson, acknowledging their luck in escaping harm.
The San Mateo District Attorney, Steve Wagstaffe, has pointed out that Miceli's actions, which included shooting at an occupied vehicle, moved the bullying issue into the realm of criminal conduct, highlighting the intersection of crime and justice in this case.
Politics and general news are also entwined in this story, as the situation in San Mateo, California, raises questions about the appropriate response to bullying and the boundaries of justice in such incidents.