Man Arrested for Pointing Gun at 6-Year-Old Mistakenly Placing Candy Bag on Long Island Resident’s Doorstep
In a shocking incident on Long Island, New York, a resident has been arrested for allegedly pointing a gun at a 6-year-old child who mistakenly placed a Halloween candy bag on his doorstep. Michael Yifan Wen, a 43-year-old from Manhasset, now faces charges of menacing in the second degree and endangering the welfare of a child.
According to Nassau County Police, the incident occurred on Saturday night when a mother was driving her children to her 10-year-old daughter’s friend’s house to drop off a goody bag. The woman’s daughter and 6-year-old son went up to the door, rang the bell, and left the candy on the porch. However, as they were driving away, the daughter realized they had dropped it off at the wrong address.
Upon returning to the same home, the 6-year-old boy got out of the car to retrieve the bag. However, to everyone’s horror, Michael Yifan Wen exited the house and allegedly pointed a black handgun at the child’s head. The mother pleaded with him not to harm her child, yelling, “Don’t shoot! Don’t shoot!”
Wen’s attorney claims that his client and his family had been repeatedly harassed by people banging on their front door at midnight and in the evenings, including the day before this incident occurred. The attorney believes this misunderstanding and mistake occurred due to the recent terrorization they had endured.
Residents in the area explained that the children were engaged in a game called “ghosting,” where they would ring the doorbell or knock on their friend’s house, leave a goody bag on the porch, and then run away. Wen, whose gun license was suspended, maintains that no candy had been placed on his porch before that night.
This incident highlights the importance of open communication and vigilance in a neighborhood. It is crucial for community members to be aware of their surroundings and address misunderstandings before they escalate into potentially dangerous situations.
The arrest of Michael Yifan Wen serves as a reminder that it is essential to handle conflicts and concerns through proper channels rather than resorting to violence or intimidation. The legal process will determine the outcome of this case, and the well-being of the child involved remains of utmost importance.
Residents in the area are urged to stay informed about local developments and ensure the safety of their children during Halloween festivities.