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One-Year Probation For Man Who Threw Gator Into Restaurant

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WEST PALM BEACH (CBSMiami/AP) — A Florida man is fortunate that a prank gone wrong isn't costing him time behind bars.

Twenty-four-year-old Joshua James, 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.

James 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.

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

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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