Mother arrested after child suffered burns

ATMORE, Ala. (WALA) - Atmore police said an 8-month-old child is recovering at USA Medical Center from burns to her legs.

Her mother is behind bars and charged with assault and endangering a child. 

The home of 26-year-old Amanda Pugh was quiet and dark Tuesday, Nov. 27, but Atmore police said early Saturday morning they responded to a call about a child being burned.

Atmore police said Pugh was arrested after witnesses said she passed out near a backyard fire and dropped her 8-month-old daughter.   

Pugh also has an 11-year-old son, but the child’s father said he has custody of him.

"We went our separate ways. And over the years, I could never get the chance to see him but bits and pieces here and there," said Derek Brooks, whom was formerly married to Amanda Pugh.

Brooks and Pugh were married for nearly three years.

"So it happens, she showed up on our front door steps saying my son wanted me; and from then on, we've got custody of him," said Brooks.

Investigators said witnesses saw Pugh drinking and standing near the fire early Saturday.

 Neighbors said they heard people outside and saw the child get put inside an ambulance, but didn't know what happened.

Police said the 8-month-old child was taken to Atmore Community Hospital and then Life-Flighted to USA Medical Center in Mobile.

Tuesday afternoon, a spokesperson for USA Children's and Women's Hospital said the girl is listed in fair condition.

Brooks claimed Pugh kept infrequent and irregular contact with her son. He also said the 11-year-old did not know about his mother's arrest this afternoon.

"A lot of times he would get down and out about it. You could tell he misses his momma, which I do have a little father-son talk with him, He tells me he misses his momma. What can I do about it?"

Pugh is currently locked up in the Escambia County, Alabama jail.

Alabama State Department of Human Relations workers were called out to the mother's home Saturday. No one was at home Tuesday to comment.