Covington, Tenn. – A Tennessee mother was arrested after allegedly beating her 2-year-old son inside a grocery store when an intercom announcement revealed the boy had been left alone at the service desk, according to police.
The shocking incident unfolded last Wednesday inside the Cash Savers discount grocery store in Covington, where 25-year-old Lashona Johnson allegedly went into a violent rage after hearing a storewide broadcast about her abandoned child.
Intercom Announcement Triggered Angry Outburst
According to the Covington Police Department, store employees found the toddler alone and safely escorted him to the service desk before announcing over the store’s intercom that a child had been located.
Roughly ten minutes later, a woman — later identified as Johnson — approached the counter and said to the child, “You know I’m going to beat your a—, right?” in front of shocked customers and workers, police said.
Witnesses told officers that Johnson then grabbed the toddler aggressively, pulling him from the service desk and dragging him toward the checkout area. Once in the middle of the checkout line, she allegedly struck the boy several times on his back, yelling at him before storming out of the store.
Police Say Surveillance Video Confirmed Witness Accounts
After receiving multiple 911 calls from bystanders, Covington Police officers arrived on scene and immediately launched an investigation. Detectives reviewed store surveillance footage, which reportedly confirmed the witnesses’ descriptions of Johnson’s violent behavior.
“The manager indicated a child was left at the service desk of the store,” police said in their official statement. “Employees broadcasted over the store’s intercom system of a toddler being alone at the service desk. Approximately ten minutes after the broadcast, a female approached the service desk and stated, ‘You know I’m going to beat your a—, right?’ to the toddler.”
The department added that Johnson was quickly identified and interviewed, where she admitted she was the woman seen in the footage.
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Child Released to Father, DCS Investigating
Following the disturbing incident, the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) was notified and has since taken part in the ongoing investigation.
“The two-year-old child was released to his father,” police confirmed. “DCS continues their investigation into the incident.”
Authorities said the department’s involvement was necessary to ensure the child’s welfare and assess whether additional support or interventions were needed for the family.
Arrest and Charges
Johnson was arrested the same day and booked into the Tipton County Jail, where she was charged with child abuse and neglect. Her bond was set at $50,000, and she is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday to face formal charges.
In their statement, Covington Police praised the quick actions of witnesses who alerted authorities, saying community intervention likely prevented further harm.
“I am so thankful that a citizen and the witnesses reported this incident. It is a troubling video to watch,” said Covington Police Chief Donna Turner. “It was absolutely the right call to say something and report the incident. Our efforts provided a way to check on the welfare of the child, provide any services needed in this family through DCS, and to help prevent this from happening again.”
Community Outrage and Online Reaction
News of the alleged attack has sparked outrage among Covington residents, many of whom expressed disbelief that such violence could occur in public. On social media, locals praised bystanders for acting quickly and condemned the mother’s behavior.
“That poor baby didn’t deserve that,” one commenter wrote. “Thank God for the people who spoke up.”
Others called for stricter penalties for child abuse, saying that such acts should be met with zero tolerance in Tennessee.
What Happens Next
As of Monday, Johnson remains out on bond and faces multiple counts related to child abuse and endangerment. The case remains under review by both the Tipton County District Attorney’s Office and DCS investigators.
Authorities say they plan to evaluate whether the child requires ongoing protective services or counseling as part of the case resolution.
The child is now safe with his father, and state officials are investigating.
What do you think should happen in cases like this? Should witnesses always intervene when they see child abuse in public? Share your thoughts in the comments at latestsports.online.
