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A potentially fatal incident was prevented during a neighborhood pool gathering in Tennessee after a young child quickly sought help upon witnessing a woman allegedly attempting to drown another child, according to local authorities.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 15, prompting an emergency response from deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said several children were swimming under the supervision of 31-year-old Mikaylee Rae Beirne when the alleged assault took place at approximately 5 p.m.
According to the sheriff’s office, one of the children noticed Beirne allegedly forcing another child beneath the water. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, the child immediately ran into the house to notify an adult.
The quick response proved critical.
After being alerted, the adult rushed to the swimming pool and demanded that Beirne release the child. Authorities allege she refused, prompting the adult to physically intervene and pull the child to safety.
Once the child was rescued, the adult immediately escorted all of the children inside the residence before contacting law enforcement.
By the time deputies arrived, Beirne had already left the property. Authorities later located her, took her into custody, and launched an investigation into the incident.
Officials reported that another adult briefly encountered Beirne before she departed the scene in her vehicle.
During the investigation, deputies observed that the child suffered minor bruises and injuries that investigators said were consistent with witness accounts describing the alleged assault.
The child received immediate assistance following the incident.
Authorities arrested Mikaylee Rae Beirne, 31, on charges of aggravated child abuse and neglect.
She is currently being held at the Washington County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond while legal proceedings continue.
The allegations have been filed by law enforcement, and the case remains under investigation.
No additional personal or professional information about Beirne has been released by authorities.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack. Authorities have not released further details regarding the child’s identity, and the case will proceed through the judicial process.