SAN RAMON — A 43-year-old woman was arrested last week for allegedly burning her son’s leg as a punishment for getting in trouble at school, authorities said.
The San Ramon woman was arrested Dec. 20 on suspicion of torture, mayhem, and child abuse for allegedly heating a four-inch knife on the stove and pressing it against her son’s leg, causing two burn marks. This newspaper is not naming the woman to protect the identity of her elementary-school-aged son.
The investigation started after teachers at a local elementary school tipped off police that the boy had severe burn marks on his leg. The woman later told police that her son had been disciplined at school for a week earlier bullying another student, so she wanted to give him a punishment he’d never forget, authorities said.
During her interview with police, the woman was apologetic. Authorities say she bought medical items to treat her son’s burns but didn’t take him to the hospital. The boy was temporarily placed in a police custody hold for his own safety.
No charges have been filed against the woman thus far, according to court records.