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Teen charged in peanut butter allergy incident

Friday, October 3, 2008 6:18 AM PDT

By The Associated Press

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WENATCHEE, Wash. — A 19-year-old accused of smearing peanut butter on the forehead of a fellow high school student with a peanut allergy has been charged with assault.

Joshua Hickson of Malaga was charged this week by a city prosecutor. If convicted of the gross misdemeanor, he could face a maximum year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Police Sgt. Cherie Smith says the targeted student had no allergic reaction.

According to a police report, Hickson was eating lunch Sept. 8 at Wenatchee High School when he heard a conversation that indicated a male student sitting next to him was allergic to peanuts. Officer Steve Evitt says that Hickson smeared his fingers with peanut butter from someone's sandwich and wiped it on the allergic student's forehead.

The officer says Hickson said he didn't think anything would happen.

Hickson was suspended from school; school administrators refused to comment on his current status.

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jackal wrote on Oct 3, 2008 6:23 AM:

" Nice to see how compassionate we are nowadays. "

Kelso Resident wrote on Oct 3, 2008 6:47 AM:

" He derseves whatever gets thrown at him. "

day2day wrote on Oct 3, 2008 8:12 AM:

" I wish Kelso schools cared this much. "

amnottezs wrote on Oct 3, 2008 8:22 AM:

" Oh god. "

banana hammock wrote on Oct 3, 2008 8:48 AM:

" Ya through the book at this kid but dont hurt the terrorist who threaten our peace. It's amazing. just like the bordergaurds that were sent away for shooting at a drug runner. Who's side are we on?

Hate the American cause we are all so bad. "

Simple Man wrote on Oct 3, 2008 9:27 AM:

" Im military police and Banana Hammock is right. We are supposed to screw americans any chance we can but we have to give prisoners in Guantanamo Bay individual movie time and Mcdonalds when they want it. "

donnie54 wrote on Oct 3, 2008 9:55 AM:

" Maybe this fellow should have been suspended for a day or two but having to go to court and possibly spend a year in jail for putting peanut butter or someone's forehead is going a little too far. There is a difference between a prank and an assault but I wonder if our teachers, principals and law enforcement know the difference any more. "

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