An Alabama woman faces a felony charge this week after police say she used bear spray as a tool for discipline. Christie Lashay Williams, 37, was arrested on Monday, April 6, and booked into the Jefferson County Jail on a count of aggravated child abuse and torture.
The investigation began on March 8 when a neighbor called 911 after seeing a young girl running down the street crying for help. The caller told dispatchers the child’s face appeared puffy, and her eyes were severely bloodshot.
When Leeds police officers arrived at the scene, they found two elementary-aged children in distress.
According to Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin, the children initially told responders they had been hit with “bug spray.” However, after a search warrant was executed at the family residence, investigators recovered a canister of bear spray that they believe was the actual weapon used.
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One child told detectives that Williams sprayed them directly in the eyes and mouth. Using bear spray on humans is known to cause involuntary eye closure, intense respiratory distress, and severe burning of the skin and throat.
Chief Irwin stated that Williams allegedly used the chemical deterrent because the children were being “unruly.”
“I think it’s terrible,” Irwin told AL.com. “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.”
Following the incident, both children were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
While the initial incident occurred in March, Williams was taken into custody this week after investigators finalized the warrant. Records show that Williams has since bonded out of the Jefferson County Jail after posting a $15,000 bond. The investigation remains open.
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