Chattanooga mom accused of child abuse: ‘I was having a bad day’

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee(WDEF) – A mom was arrested after a gas station employee called police to report witnessing child abuse.

Catherine Douglas, 33, of Chattanooga is accused of kicking her seven year old while he was on the ground after she reportedly pushed him down.

According to the arrest affidavit, the incident happened at a Kangaroo gas station late Saturday night in the 2500 block of Amnicola Highway. An employee called police and gave them detailed information, including a description of the suspect was later identified as Douglas.

According to police, Douglas said, "I did push him but I just had a bad day."

Child protective services were notified and Douglas was taken into custody.

She has been charged with one count of child abuse and neglect.

Her bond was set at $4,000 and her next date in court was set for April 10.

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee(WDEF) – A Chattanooga man was arrested late Friday night and charged with one count of child neglect.

Joseph Thornton, 61, of Chattanooga was booked Saturday morning.

A judge set his bond at $3,000 and his next court date was set at April 6.