Jonesborough / Johnson City, Tennessee — A quick-thinking child may have prevented a tragedy after a woman allegedly held another child underwater in a backyard pool. Authorities say the young witness ran inside for help, allowing an adult to intervene and pull the victim to safety.

Mikaylee Rae Beirne, 31, of Johnson City, has been charged with aggravated child abuse, neglect, or endangerment following the incident on Cochran Road on July 15. Deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a disturbance involving several children shortly before 5 p.m.

According to Sheriff Keith Sexton, Beirne was in the pool with multiple children while another adult was inside the home. One of the children came inside and alerted the adult that Beirne was forcing a child underwater. The adult ran to the pool, demanded that Beirne release the child, and when she did not comply, the adult grabbed Beirne and assisted the child out of the water.

The children were brought inside, and 911 was called. Beirne left the scene in a vehicle before deputies arrived but was later located and taken into custody without incident. The child involved suffered minor injuries and bruising and is expected to recover.

Beirne was booked into the Washington County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond. Authorities have not released the child’s age, gender, or the exact relationship to the suspect.

Many in the community are praising the young witness for acting so quickly and potentially saving a life.

Sources:

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office statements
• LiveNow from FOX and Shore News Network reports