Dangerous prank ends in prison time for teen

Prison time awaits an 18-year-old man who injured a tourist, by hurling a 50-gallon drum onto her head.

Zachary Messing now faces a potential maximum sentence of 7 years in prison after pleading guilty to Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree.

It was back in August of 2017 when Messing and another teen threw the plastic trash drum over the edge of a parking ramp at the Rainbow Centre Mall in downtown Niagara Falls, injuring a woman visiting from Ohio.  The 50-year-old woman and her family were walking back to their hotel following a fireworks display at Niagara Falls State Park.  Prosecutors say the victim suffered a broken collarbone and concussion as a result of the incident.

 "This family came here to visit our beautiful Niagara Falls and this is their experience. It is shameful," said Niagara County District Attorney Caroline Wojtaszek. "She was injured in front of her husband and children. She suffered months of pain and agony during her recovery period because of this defendant."

A 15-year-old was also charged and the case is being handled in Niagara County Family Court due to the offender's age.

For previous stories on this incident, click here.