Nationwide — Christie Lashay Williams, a 37-year-old mother from Leeds, Alabama, faces child abuse charges after police say she sprayed her two young children with bear spray inside their home. The children ran outside for help and were later treated at a hospital.
According to WLBT, Leeds police said they responded on March 8 after a small child was seen running down a street while calling for help. A 911 caller reported the child had a swollen face and red, irritated eyes.
When officers arrived, they found both children and spoke with them about what happened. Authorities said both children told police their mother sprayed them with bear spray. One child later said it hit both eyes and the mouth.
Police took both children to the Children’s Hospital for medical treatment. Officials have not shared updates on their condition.
Court records show officers arrested Williams on Monday. She faces a Class C felony charge of child abuse or torture, which carries a possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison. She later posted bond and was released from the Jefferson County Jail.
Authorities also noted that the Environmental Protection Agency classifies bear spray as a pesticide used for deterring wildlife. It releases a wide cloud that can travel up to 40 feet and is designed to be stronger than standard pepper spray.