11 year old faces possible charges for butter knife to cut peach at school

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Ronald and Andrea Souto told Local 10 News reporter Michael Seiden that their 11-year-old daughter was suspended for six days for bringing the knife to school.

"This is a set of a spoon, fork and knife for toddlers -- one year old," Andrea Souto said. "It is made for children to learn how to eat properly. She's used it since she was baby."

According to the school district, the girl violated the county's weapon policy when she used her butter knife in the cafeteria to cut the peach. 

"The friend asked for half of the peach and she cuts half of the peach and gives to her friend. She goes to the bathroom and comes back and the guy said, 'Follow me,'" Ronald Souto said.

Ronald said he hopes what happened to his daughter will bring change to the district, specifically new polices when it comes to weapons.

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A Broward County school district spokeswoman declined to offer specifics about the incident because of "student privacy," but said, "The school followed district policy regarding this incident and continues to work with the student and parents involved.  It is the district's priority to maintain safe and secure campuses for students and staff at all times."

The Pembroke Pines Police Department said it has turned over their investigation to the State Attorney's Office.

It's unclear whether prosecutors will file charges, but the family's attorney said the school board isn't doing its job in this case.

"The school board has abused its discretion to act in this case," Larry Meltzer said. "It is tragic that a school that this little girl loves sees fit to prosecute and suspend her -- the epitome of a model and honor roll student -- for using a child-proof utensil that could never be construed in any form as a weapon in order to share part of her lunch with a fellow classmate.

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