North Miami Mom Arrested for Allegedly Beating Son with Stick

North Miami, FL - A North Miami mom is accused of beating her son with a stick and faces child abuse charges after he refused to do chores.

Authorities say 33-year-old Carolina Barco faces child abuse charges after police say she beat her son with a wooden stick on Saturday evening.

According to authorities, the incident occurred around 7 pm in the 2200 block of Sole Mia Way.

Barco's daughter reportedly witnessed the beating and alerted a security guard who called the police.

The victim, whose age was not released, told officers that Barco became angry because he hadn't completed his chores.

The report details that Barco allegedly grabbed a thick wooden stick and struck her son's arms repeatedly.

She's also accused of hitting him with her open hand, squeezing his face, and throwing him to the floor.

Police observed cuts, bruises, and swelling on the boy, who reportedly expressed fear of returning home with his mother.

Barco maintains her innocence, claiming she left her children alone for a short period and returned to a messy house.

She alleges she instructed her son to clean up but found him playing video games instead.

Barco was arrested and is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a $5,000 bond.

It remains unclear who is currently caring for Barco's children.