A Wednesday afternoon that should have been an ordinary summer day turned alarming when a child ran inside a Jonesborough home to warn another adult that something terrifying was happening in the backyard pool.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, 31-year-old Mikaylee Rae Beirne was in the pool with several children when she allegedly began forcing one child underwater — and refused to release the youngster even after an adult witness ran outside and demanded she stop.
The witness, left with no other choice, physically grabbed Beirne to pull the child free from the water. The child was then brought inside along with the other children, and 911 was called immediately.
Deputies responded to a home on Cochran Road shortly before 5 p.m. When they arrived, Beirne had already left the scene — but she was located a short time later and taken into custody without incident.
The child was found with minor injuries and bruising that investigators said was consistent with what witnesses described. Authorities have not disclosed the victim’s age, gender, or relationship to Beirne.
Beirne was booked into the Washington County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond and charged with one count of aggravated child abuse, neglect, or endangerment. She made an initial court appearance Thursday. A follow-up court date has not been publicly announced.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.