The Failed Pacifist

Felony Over Thrown Rock

In Fresno California, an 11 year old girl is being charged with assault with a deadly weapon after she threw a rock at a boy who had previously hit her with a water balloon. Maribel Cuevas was arrested and held five days in Fresno's juvenile hall, plus a month under house arrest. Elijah Vang, the boy who threw the balloon at her, was hit in the head by the rock and reportedly required stiches. Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer and Mayor Alan Autry have defended the desicion to charge the 11 year old with felony assault with deadly weapon, saying that the boy could have been injured even more seriously.

UPDATE: According to the Free Maribel web site, the 11 year old has had the felony assault charges dropped and was ordered to attend a mediation program with Elijah Vang, the boy who threw the water balloon at her.

posted by Doran @ 3:04 PM