A Tennessee woman, Mikaylee Rae Beirne, 31, was arrested Wednesday on charges of aggravated child abuse and neglect following an alleged attempt to drown a child during a backyard pool party. The incident occurred just before 5 p.m. on Cochran Road in Jonesborough, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
Witnesses reported that Beirne was in the pool with several children while another adult was inside the home. A young boy allegedly ran inside to alert the adult that Beirne was holding another child underwater. The adult witness then went to the pool and demanded Beirne release the child, but she reportedly did not comply. The witness then grabbed Beirne and helped the child out of the water.
All children present were taken inside the home, and 911 was contacted. Following the alleged drowning attempt, another adult arrived at the home and had a brief interaction with Beirne before she fled the scene prior to law enforcement's arrival.
Deputies observed the child to have minor injuries and bruising consistent with the witness statements. Authorities located Beirne and took her into custody. She is being held at the Washington County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond. The ages of the children involved have not been released. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Washington County Sheriff's Office for comment.
Community members on social media have praised the quick-thinking child who alerted the adult, with many calling the youngster a hero for their actions in saving the other child.