A 54-year-old California man is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly opening fire on a vehicle carrying three teenagers who he claims had been bullying his daughter. The confrontation escalated from what began as teenage pranks to a potentially deadly encounter outside the family's home.

According to People, Craig Steven Miceli has been charged with one count of shooting at an occupied vehicle, three counts of assault with a firearm, and two counts of possession of an assault weapon following the incident that occurred on Sunday, May 25.

The situation reportedly stemmed from ongoing harassment directed at Miceli's daughter, culminating in the teens throwing eggs at the family's house. San Mateo Police Department described the incident as arising "from alleged bullying and/or harassment" in a statement released on their Facebook page.

Pranks escalate to gunfire

The three teens—one 17-year-old and two 16-year-olds—had previously poured canola oil on Miceli's front porch days before the shooting incident. This initial prank reportedly left Miceli spending hours cleaning the dried oil from his property.

When the teenagers returned to egg the house, Miceli's frustration apparently boiled over. According to San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe, Miceli fired two rounds at the SUV carrying the teens, with one bullet striking the front passenger door panel.

Miceli allegedly told investigators he was "just trying to shoot at the tires to scare the kids." Following the confrontation, he disposed of the weapon in a nearby lake, where authorities have not yet recovered it. A subsequent search of his home revealed ammunition and an illegal automatic rifle.

DA acknowledges frustration but condemns actions

The district attorney expressed understanding for Miceli's anger while firmly condemning his response to the situation. The case highlights the dangerous potential outcomes when harassment and retaliation collide.

"I think anybody can understand his frustration," Wagstaffe told People. "He felt his daughter had been being bullied at school. And now this had occurred on these two occasions. So we understand the anger. The difficulty is that anger doesn't get to be carried out by taking out a handgun and shooting at three teenagers."

The district attorney emphasized how close the incident came to tragedy, noting: "Those boys are dramatically lucky that one of them wasn't hit with a bullet." He suggested the case serves as an important talking point for families about both the dangers of pranking and appropriate responses to provocation.

Teaching moment for parents and teens

Wagstaffe framed the incident as an opportunity for important family discussions about teenage behavior and appropriate responses to harassment. He urged parents to use this case as a conversation starter with their children.

"This case is an excellent case for parents to sit down with their teenage children and have a conversation over the dinner table about the dangers of pulling pranks," the district attorney explained. "We understand that teenagers do it, but you know, when you do it, you might find yourself dealing with a Mr. Miceli who will take out a gun."

The prosecutor also emphasized that regardless of provocation, taking matters into one's own hands is never acceptable. "It's a reminder that no matter what is done to your home or your car, you can't take out a gun and seek your own revenge. You need to call the police," Wagstaffe said.

Why This Story Matters

This case resonates with communities everywhere because it reflects the growing tensions between concerned parents, bullying, and youthful misbehavior. It highlights the importance of communication, both within families and between communities and law enforcement. Above all, it serves as a reminder that unchecked decisions in moments of anger can carry lifelong consequences.

Conclusion

In summary, a 54-year-old father in San Mateo, California, allegedly fired two shots at teens he believed were targeting his daughter through pranks involving oil and eggs. Although no one was physically hurt, Craig Steven Miceli now faces six serious felony charges, including assault with a firearm and possession of an assault weapon.

Following the shooting, he reportedly attempted to dispose of the firearm in a lake and is awaiting a preliminary court hearing on June 9. Police and prosecutors have urged families to communicate about the potential dangers of teen pranks and the importance of seeking lawful solutions in cases of harassment or bullying.