A Tennessee woman has been arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect for allegedly attempting to drown a child in a backyard pool. Mikaylee Rae Beirne, 31, was taken into custody on Wednesday in Johnson City, according to Washington County Sheriff Keith Sexton.
Witnesses reported that Beirne was swimming with several children when one child noticed her forcing another child underwater. This child then alerted another adult inside the home. According to Sexton, the other adult intervened and demanded Beirne release the child, but she did not. The adult then physically removed Beirne from the pool and helped the child to safety.
All children present were brought inside the residence, and 911 was called. The relationship between Beirne and the child she allegedly targeted is currently unclear.
Following a brief interaction with another adult who arrived at the property, Beirne left the scene before law enforcement arrived. Police located and arrested her shortly thereafter.
The young victim, whose identity has not been released, sustained minor injuries and bruising consistent with the witness accounts, according to Sexton.
Beirne is being held on a $50,000 bond at the Washington County Detention Center.