A 36-year-old Alabama woman has been charged with child abuse after authorities say she sprayed her two young children with bear spray, prompting one of them to run into the street crying for help.

According to jail records reviewed by Law&Crime, Christie Williams was charged with torture or the willful abuse of a child and booked into the Jefferson County Jail on Monday. She was later released on a $15,000 bond.

The incident began on March 8 at approximately 1:45 p.m. in the 7100 block of Wood Carriage Lane in Leeds, Alabama. According to charging documents cited by AL.com, a child of elementary school age was seen running down the street yelling for help. A bystander called 911 and reported that the child’s eyes were red and her face appeared swollen.

Leeds Police responded to the scene and located the child. Officers then went to the home, where they found a second child, also of elementary school age. Both children were transported to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation.

According to police, both children told investigators that their mother had sprayed them in the eyes and mouth with bear spray.

Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin described the allegations as deeply concerning. He told local media that bear spray, which is designed to deter large animals, should never be used on people, particularly children. Bear spray is generally more potent than standard pepper spray and can cause serious injury, including potential long-term damage to the eyes if used at close range.

Authorities say Williams told officers that her children had been acting unruly, which she allegedly cited as the reason for her actions.

Following her arrest, Williams was processed at the Jefferson County Jail and released the same day after posting bond. The case remains under investigation.

The two children have since been placed in the custody of child welfare services. Officials have not released additional details about their current condition.

The case has drawn attention due to the severity of the alleged method of punishment and the age of the children involved. Police have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.