California father faces prison after allegedly shooting at teens who egged his home

A California father is facing the possibility of prison time after allegedly opening fire on a group of teenagers who had egged his home, in a case that authorities say escalated from neighborhood pranks into a serious criminal incident.

Craig Steven Miceli, 55, of San Mateo, pleaded no contest to felony assault with a firearm and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, according to prosecutors.

He could face up to three years in prison when he is sentenced later this year.

The case stems from an incident in May 2025, when a group of teenagers, aged 16 and 17, allegedly targeted Miceli’s home in two separate acts.

Prosecutors said the first involved pouring oil on his porch, followed two days later by a second visit in which the teens threw eggs at the property.

Shortly after the second incident, authorities allege Miceli fired two shots at the SUV as the teenagers were driving away. No one was injured.

San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe said the case reflects the dangers of escalating conflict.

“You can’t overreact to situations with gunfire,” he told SFGATE, noting that while Miceli had “a significant record,” the response went far beyond what was legally acceptable.

Miceli reportedly told police he believed his daughter was being bullied by the teens and said he was attempting to shoot the vehicle’s tires.

He also told investigators he discarded the firearm in a nearby lake. Authorities later recovered another illegal automatic rifle from his home during a search.

The teens involved were not charged. Prosecutors said they described the incidents as pranks, with each participant throwing a single egg at the house.

While officials acknowledged the father’s concern for his daughter, prosecutors stressed that the situation did not justify the use of a firearm. Miceli remains in custody on a $25,000 cash bond and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 10.