Fresno, Calif. ? An 11-year-old girl who threw a rock at a boy during a water balloon fight escaped jail time Wednesday on a felony assault with a deadly weapon charge after lawyers worked out a deal in the emotionally charged case.

Maribel Cuevas was ordered to meet with her young victim and talk about the fight under the deal – reached on the same day the girl was to stand trial. She did not have to plead guilty, and the charges will be dismissed if she stays in school and keeps out of trouble.

Maribel spent five days in juvenile hall and a month under house arrest after throwing a 2-pound rock at 8-year-old Elijah Vang, cutting his forehead after he pelted her with a water balloon in April. The gash required Elijah to receive stitches.

Police responded with three cars while a helicopter hovered overhead, and said they arrested Cuevas for resisting arrest and scratching an officer’s arm. Police described the rock as “jagged” and measuring 5.5 inches by 3.75 inches.

Top brass on the force defended the response, but others took up Maribel’s cause, saying it was no way to treat a childish crime. Supporters gathered outside the court, chanting “Free Maribel,” and singing “We Shall Overcome.”

Elijah’s family, which has since moved away, declined to press charges, but were prepared to testify for the prosecution.

As part of the agreement, the two children, with their parents present, will talk about what happened.

Maribel’s father, Martin Cuevas, said in Spanish after the proceeding that his daughter was not a criminal and had acted in self-defense.

“I think everything will be fine,” Martin Cuevas said in Spanish. “This way she’ll be able to stay with my wife and me and go to school normally.”