Tennessee Woman Arrested on Child Abuse Charges Following Alleged Drowning Attempt in Backyard Pool

A woman from Tennessee was taken into custody recently after law enforcement officials reported an alleged attempt to drown one of her children in a backyard pool.

Mikaylee Rae Beirne, 31, of Johnson City, was charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on July 15, according to information released by the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Keith Sexton of Washington County stated that deputies responded to a disturbance at a residence on Cochran Road at approximately 5 p.m.

Details of the Alleged Incident

According to witness accounts provided to deputies, Beirne was in the backyard swimming pool with several children, while another adult was present inside the home. Investigators reported that one of the children subsequently ran indoors to inform the adult that Beirne was allegedly forcing another child underwater.

The adult immediately rushed to the pool area and demanded that Beirne release the child. When she reportedly refused, the adult physically intervened, pulling Beirne away and assisting the child out of the water. Officials indicated that a second adult arrived at the property and briefly interacted with Beirne before deputies reached the scene. Beirne departed the location prior to law enforcement's arrival.

The children were brought inside the home, and emergency medical personnel were contacted. Authorities confirmed that the child involved sustained minor injuries and bruising.

Deputies located Beirne a short time later and placed her under arrest. She is currently being held at the Washington County Detention Center, with her bond set at $50,000.