Story Archive

Florida Gators Sneak Play

Joshua James, 23, pulled into the drive-through at a Wendy’s restaurant in Royal Palm Beach, Fla. According to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials, after James got his drink, he tossed a 3-1/2 foot alligator through the drive-through window. The FWC was able to track James down because he used a credit card to buy his soda, and he was arrested on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to do less than murder. “I don’t even get that. I don’t get it,” said James’ mother Linda. She says her son is a prankster and meant no harm. “He does stuff like this because he thinks it’s funny,” she said. A judge wasn’t amused: he ordered James to stay out of all Wendy’s restaurants, avoid contact with any animals other than his dog, stay off drugs and alcohol, and undergo a mental health evaluation. His bond was set at $6,000. The gator was released into a nearby canal. (MS/WPTV West Palm Beach) ...He’s 23 years old, and has to use credit to buy a soda pop. Pretty much a typical Florida native.