Man throws alligator through window of Wendy's drive-thru in Florida

Joshua James, 24, has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon

The alligator thrown through the Wendy's Drive-Thru window in West Palm Beach, FLA (AP)

A man who threw an alligator through a Wendy's drive-thru window has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Joshua James, 24, threw the 3ft 6 ins predator through the window at the fast food restaurant in West Palm Beach, Florida.

He was also charged with illegally possessing an alligator and petty theft. Jail records show he was released on $6,000 bail on Tuesday.

James told WPTV that he was sober when he caught the alligator and threw it through the window.

He added:"I got into a lot trouble doing this and I definitely don't recommend doing this.

"Like I said this is probably the last time I do this."

Joshua James, 24 (AP)

James' mother, Linda James described her son's actions as a "stupid prank."

Ms James said her son had "no problem turning himself in" and "he does stuff like this because he thinks it's funny".

Retired University of Florida zoologist James P. Ross said a bite from a relatively small alligator would be "comparable to a dog's".

Dr Ross said: "The alligator would be unlikely to 'attack' people and more likely to be in a highly traumatized and frightened defensive mode.

"It could, and quite likely would, snap and lunge at anyone approaching it closely and could project its head and jaws 12 to 18 inches in any direction."