A Tennessee woman was arrested this week after authorities said she tried to drown one of her children in a backyard swimming pool.
Mikaylee Rae Beirne, 31, of Johnson City, was charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect following the July 15 incident, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Washington County Sheriff Keith Sexton said deputies responded to a disturbance at a home on Cochran Road around 5 p.m.
Witnesses told deputies Beirne was in the backyard pool with multiple children while another adult was inside the home.
According to investigators, one of the children ran inside to alert the adult that Beirne was allegedly forcing another child underwater.
The adult rushed to the pool and demanded that Beirne release the child, but she refused, authorities said.
DAYCARE OPERATOR ARRESTED AFTER 3-YEAR-OLD WAS LEFT UNCONSCIOUS IN POOL FOR 20 MINUTES, DIED
The adult then pulled Beirne away and helped the child out of the water. Officials said another adult arrived at the home and briefly interacted with Beirne before deputies arrived. Beirne left the scene before law enforcement responded.
The children were taken inside the home while emergency personnel were called. Authorities said the child suffered minor injuries and bruising.
Deputies located Beirne a short time later and took her into custody.
She is being held at the Washington County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond.
