Mother arrested after police find son zip-tied to pole - New York News | NYC Breaking News

A valley mom is accused of using zip ties to chain her child to a backyard porch.

Wednesday night, a neighbor called police saying they could hear sounds of someone being hit at a home near Val Vista Drive and Broadway Road.

Officers went to the home and asked 36-year-old Jaica Rowley what was going on. She told them her 11-year-old son was out of control and she was leaving to go pay a bill.

The boy was zip-tied to the porch in the backyard.

"This 11-year-old, if you can imagine was sitting Indian-style with his hands and legs around the post, and his hands and legs were bound by zip ties stopping him from leaving," said Mesa Police spokesman Steve Berry.

Rowley told FOX 10 she restrained her son because she was worried he would run away -- and that he has mental health problems and always acts out.

"I'm a single mom with five kids. I'm struggling. I've asked for help," Rowley told us. "I need people to know I never intended for my kid to be harmed. I was only trying to keep him safe and in one spot long enough to get my daughter out of the car and figure out what I'm supposed to do."

Officers asked Rowley why there was blood on the porch and on the boy's left hand. She allegedly told them the boy complained the first zip tie was too tight around his hands and when she tried to cut it off, she accidentally cut his pinky finger.

Mesa Fire treated the 11-year-old and said he may need stitches.

The neighbor, who originally called police, said it was common for Rowley to yell at the kids. On Wednesday, they told police they heard Rowley tell the boy to lay face down and if he made a sound she would kill him.

"I have stuck it out, I am trying to do the best I can to raise my kids," she said through tears.

Rowley was arrested and booked on one count of child abuse.

CPS took both children into custody.