POST FALS, Idaho (AP) — A northern Idaho prosecutor says he made a mistake requesting an arrest warrant for a 9-year-old boy accused of stealing a pack of gum.

Kootenai County Prosecutor Barry McHugh in a statement Monday says his office should have instead sought a child protection investigation. He says that would have resulted in more information and a better-informed decision.

First Judicial District Judge Lansing Haynes authorized the warrant after the boy twice failed to show up in court.

Post Falls Police Chief Scott Haug says the child missed court because relatives had no way of getting him to the courthouse.

The boy was arrested Jan. 6 and held at a juvenile detention center, then released Friday after a court hearing.

McHugh says the case against the boy is still pending.

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