Fireworks prank results in shooting

YOUNGSTOWN — A prank involving firecrackers is blamed in a holiday shooting outside an East Side convenience store.

One victim told police he was playing a practical joke when he set off firecrackers at 6 p.m. tonight outside a store at Albert Street and McGuffey Road. But one shopper, who was apparently frightened by the noise, didn’t appreciate his sense of humor.

The victims, ages 34 and 25, reported a 27-year-old man they knew began firing at them with a handgun. The men reported almost losing control of their vehicle as they sped away. Neither was injured, reports said.