An Alabama woman was arrested after she allegedly sprayed her two young children in the eyes and mouth with bear spray, authorities said.
Christie Lashay Williams of Leeds was arrested on Monday, April 6, on a charge of torture/willful abuse of a child who is a family member following the incident in March, according to Jefferson County jail records viewed by Us Weekly.
It was not immediately clear whether Williams, 36, had an attorney who could comment on her behalf.
The afternoon of March 8, police officers were called about a young girl “crying for help” outside in Leeds, which is about a 15-mile drive east from Birmingham, Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin told AL.com.
Woman Threw Boiling Water on 2-Year-Old and Teen, Causing Severe Burns
The person who called 911 described the girl’s face as swollen and said that she had red eyes, according to charging documents obtained by the outlet.
Afterward, police took the girl and another young child to Children’s of Alabama, a children’s hospital in Birmingham, the charging documents say, AL.com reported.
Both children allegedly said that they had been sprayed with bug spray by their mother, Williams, according to law enforcement, WBRC reported.
They specifically told officers that Williams sprayed both of their eyes, as well as their mouth, police said, according to AL.com.
At Williams’ house, investigators found the bear spray she allegedly used on her children, according to police, AL.com reported.
“I think it’s terrible,” Irwin told the news outlet. “I don’t think you should be punishing your children with a spray that can be used on a bear. That’s not to be used on humans.”
Bear spray contains red pepper oil and is meant to be used as a protective measure in the event of an aggressive bear encounter, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Cops Break Up Bar Fight, Discover Wyoming Mom Left Toddler Home for Hours
The department advises online to “treat bear spray like a firearm,” as the “spray comes out at more than 70 mph and could cause permanent eye damage.”
If a person inhales bear spray, they can experience breathing difficulties, coughing and an irritated throat, according to the Alaska Department of Health.
Bear spray can also burn the skin and eyes, the agency says.
If someone comes into contact with bear or pepper spray, the agency advises getting “fresh air,” removing “contaminated clothes,” and calling for poison help.
Following Lashay’s arrest, she bonded out of jail within three hours of booking, records show. Her bond had been set at $15,000.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
