A 31-year-old woman from Johnson City has been arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect after authorities say she allegedly forced a child underwater in a backyard swimming pool during an incident that prompted an emergency response in Washington County, Tennessee.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), deputies responded to a disturbance call at a home on Cochran Road shortly before 5 p.m. on Wednesday after receiving reports of a child being placed in danger in a swimming pool.
Witnesses Report Child Was Held Underwater
Investigators said Beirne was outside in the backyard pool with several children while another adult was inside the residence.
According to witness statements provided to deputies, one of the children alerted an adult inside the home, claiming that Mikaylee Rae Beirne, 31, was forcing another child underwater.
The adult immediately rushed outside after hearing the warning and reportedly saw the child still being held beneath the water.
Authorities said the witness ordered Beirne to release the child, but she allegedly refused to do so.
Adult Intervened to Rescue Child
The sheriff’s office said the adult then physically intervened by grabbing Beirne and helping remove the child from the pool.
After the child was safely out of the water, all of the children present were taken inside the residence while someone contacted 911 for emergency assistance.
Officials said another adult later arrived at the home and spoke with Beirne before she reportedly left the property prior to deputies arriving at the scene.
Child Found With Minor Injuries
When deputies arrived, they examined the child involved in the incident.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the child had minor injuries and bruising that investigators said were consistent with the witness accounts describing what had occurred in the swimming pool.
Authorities did not release the child’s age or provide additional details about the injuries.
Suspect Located and Arrested
Following the investigation, deputies located Beirne a short time after she left the residence and took her into custody without further incident.
She was charged with Aggravated Child Abuse and Neglect, a serious felony offense under Tennessee law.
Bond and Court Appearance
Following her arrest, Beirne was booked into the Washington County Detention Center, where she is being held on a $50,000 bond.
Court records indicate she is scheduled to make her initial court appearance on July 16.
Investigation Continues
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged attempted drowning. Authorities have not released additional information regarding the relationship between Beirne and the child or whether any additional charges could be filed as the investigation progresses.
Officials have also not disclosed whether child protective services became involved following the incident. The case remains under active investigation.
