We don't really know the answers to those questions. And most parents, even if their kid started it, would be all about the rock thrower getting the book thrown at them. You might not be, but most parents, upon seeing their child bloodied are sure that the other child is at fault and someone should pay dearly.
I do think that even if the other kid deserved it, we don't need to encourage kids to take revenge in the case of something as minor as having water balloons tossed at you. Maybe she really had no other recourse, but the story doesnt' say that.
Anyway, from the info it sounds as if the police over reacted, but her parents will now over react with a lawsuit, I suspect. She doesn't deserve a million dollar settlement.
susie
Nobody gonna bring up self-defense?