IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Man Who Threw Alligator Into Restaurant Gets Year Probation

A Florida man who threw an alligator through a drive-thru window was sentenced to a year of probation after throwing himself at the mercy of the court Tuesday.
Image: Alligator
An alligator in the kitchen of a Wendy's Restaurant in Loxahatchee, Fla.Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission via AP

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A Florida man who threw an alligator through a drive-thru window was sentenced to a year of probation after throwing himself at the mercy of the court.

Suspect Joshua James, 23, is accused of throwing an alligator through a Wendy's drive-thru window in October.
Suspect Joshua James, 23, is accused of throwing an alligator through a Wendy's drive-thru window in October.Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

Joshua James, 24, told the judge Tuesday that he's sorry he threw the alligator through the window at a Wendy's last October. He said he found the nearly four-foot gator by the side of the road and meant to play a prank on a friend at the restaurant.

James was initially charged with felonies including assault with a deadly weapon. But no one was hurt by the gator, which was captured and returned to the wild.

Related: Drive-Thru Gator Stunt Was 'Stupid,' Man Charged Says

The Palm Beach Post reports that James entered an open plea on two misdemeanors.

Image: Alligator
An alligator in the kitchen of a Wendy's Restaurant in Loxahatchee, Fla.Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission via AP