JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — An East Tennessee woman has been taken into custody and faces major felony charges after authorities say she attempted to drown a child in a backyard swimming pool.
Washington County Sheriff Keith Sexton announced that 31-year-old Mikaylee Rae Beirne, of Johnson City, was arrested following the harrowing incident on Wednesday afternoon, July 15, 2026. She has been formally charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect.
Child Runs for Help During Incident
According to investigators, deputies responded to a major disturbance at a residential home located on Cochran Road shortly before 5:00 p.m.. Witnesses reported that Beirne was in the swimming pool with several children while another adult remained inside the house.
The situation quickly escalated when one of the children frantically ran inside the home to alert the adult that Beirne was actively “forcing one child under water.”
The adult rushed outside to the pool area and demanded that Beirne immediately release the child. When she refused, the adult was forced to physically grab Beirne, pull her away, and pull the victim out of the water to safety.
Suspect Flees Before Deputies Arrive
Shortly after the initial rescue, a second adult arrived at the home and had a brief verbal interaction with Beirne. Beirne then fled the property on foot before law enforcement personnel could arrive at the scene.
Responding deputies and emergency personnel evaluated the victim, reporting that the child sustained minor physical injuries and bruising that directly aligned with the accounts provided by witnesses.
Deputies located Beirne a short time later and took her into custody without further incident. She is currently being held at the Washington County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond.
