Police: Brazilian teen used bow and arrow to launch illegal cell phones over prison walls

Bow and arrow used to send phones into Brazil jail

SAO PAULO — Police say a 17-year-old teen was detained after he shot arrows with cell phones attached over the walls of a prison in southern Brazil to inmates waiting on the other side.

Authorities say the boy was caught after one of the arrows he launched struck a police officer on the back. The officer was not seriously injured because the cell phone was tied to the tip of the arrow and softened the impact.

Police Lt. Mauricio Cravo told RBS TV that a local gang hired the teen, giving him a professional bow and training him how to use it.

Authorities said the teen was able to shoot at least four cell phones into the prison before he was caught late Wednesday.

Inmates are prohibited from owning or using cell phones in Brazil.