With continual warnings of terrorists lurking around every corner, Fresno, California, police seem no less committed to the absurd. Come August, officers will be in court recounting their three-car takedown of an 11-year-old girl accused of throwing a rock at some bullies.

All children agree on the day's events. The boys threw water balloons at Maribel Cuevas. Maribel, in response, threw a rock, hitting one boy in the head. An ambulance was called to treat the bloodied youngster, arriving with three squad cars and a police helicopter. Police say Maribel, who speaks little English, said she thought throwing the rock at the boy would make him bleed. She was twice read her rights - in English - and arrested. Maribel's since spent five days in a detention centre and a month under house arrest.

"We determined a felony assault had taken place," explained Fresno Police Sergeant Anthony Martinez. "The officers took the actions that were necessary."

Maribel's lawyer, Richard Beshwate, disagrees with the police assessment, suggesting Maribel, rather than being a criminal, was just "an 11-year-old acting like an 11-year-old."

» Scott Saxon