Whakatane resident William Singalargh, 27, is accused of chucking the prickly critter at the teen, causing minor injuries to the victim's leg, the New Zealand Herald reports.

"It hit the victim in the leg, causing a large, red welt and several puncture marks. He was arrested shortly afterward for assault with a weapon, namely the hedgehog," Senior Sgt. Bruce Jenkins said.

Police have not said whether Singalargh knew the teen or what caused him to throw the hedgehog, which was dead when authorities found it.

An April 17, hearing is set for Singalargh in the Saturday incident, the newspaper said.