Tennessee woman arrested for alleged attempted drowning of child

A woman from Johnson City, Tennessee, has been arrested after authorities reported that she attempted to drown one of her children in a backyard swimming pool. Mikaylee Rae Beirne, 31, was charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect following the incident on July 15, as stated by the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Keith Sexton indicated that deputies responded to a disturbance at a residence on Cochran Road around 5 p.m. Witnesses informed deputies that Beirne was in the pool with multiple children while another adult was inside the home. One child reportedly ran inside to alert the adult that Beirne was allegedly forcing another child underwater. The adult intervened, demanding Beirne release the child, but she refused. The adult then pulled Beirne away and assisted the child out of the water. Another adult arrived at the scene and briefly interacted with Beirne before deputies arrived. Beirne left the scene prior to law enforcement's arrival. The children were taken inside the home while emergency personnel were contacted. Authorities noted that the child sustained minor injuries and bruising. Deputies located Beirne shortly thereafter and placed her under arrest. She is currently held at the Washington County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond.