ATTLEBORO - Six Mansfield teenagers were ordered Friday to perform community service for charges related to a prank in which at least one of them pointed a paintball gun at a 12-year-old boy.

The boys were arrested in May at gunpoint by Mansfield police who responded to a call about a gun being pointed out of the van.

Judge James Sullivan in Attleboro District Court agreed with a recommendation by Prosecutor Donna Bentley and defense lawyers to place the boys on pretrial probation for one year and perform 24 hours of community service.

An assault charge was dismissed and charges of being disorderly and disturbing the peace remain pending. The charges will be dismissed after one year if the boys avoid any other problems.

Sullivan said the incident may have been a "youthful indiscretion" but that in today's society, such pranks could result in tragedy. Both the boy who was frightened by the incident and the police initially thought the paintball gun was a real handgun. Two paintball guns were found in the back of the van.

Sullivan said in the past youngsters playing with cap guns was common and the sight of someone pointing a real weapon was rare. "Sadly those days have changed," Sullivan said.

None of the teenagers have criminal records and defense lawyers said all were good students and destined for college.

Sullivan said a conviction on the felony assault charge dismissed by agreement in the case could have impacted their ability to enter college and limited their employment potential.

The defendants were identified as: Zachary M. Carresi, 17, of 513 Bird Road; Michael C. Daley, 18, of 191 Ware St.; Anthony E. Monaco, 18, of 31 Sturbridge Road; Jacob A. Orel, 18, of 20 Noonan St.; Patrick J. Fernandes, 17, of 17 Goose Lane; and Alexander H. Parks, 18, of 135 Central St.

Fernandes was identified in court as a passenger in the van who allegedly pointed the gun at the 12-year-old.

The cases against two other co-defendants are still pending. Matthew R. Kelley, 18, of 107 School St., and Andrew J. Shiffer, 18, of 9 Coach Road, are due back in court Sept. 21.