Prosecutor won’t charge Hoxie teen as adult

— Prosecutors say a 16-year-old student who took a flare gun to Hoxie High School won’t be charged as an adult.

Prosecutor Henry Boyce says the male student will be charged in juvenile court with taking a prohibited article to school.

Police say the teen brought a pistol-style, German-model flare gun onto the Hoxie campus Jan. 29.

Authorities said the teen didn’t threaten anyone and told police that he took the flare gun to school by mistake.

The Jonesboro Sun reported that the teen has a previous criminal history and officials say he likely won’t return to Hoxie High School.

Since the incident, the district has increased its school security efforts. Officials say the school is considering drills to simulate an active shooter on campus.

Upcoming Events