Mother arrested for child cruelty - WFXG FOX54 Augusta - Your News One Hour Earlier

UPDATE:

A mother of two is behind bars after being charged with child cruelty.

FOX54 spoke to Richmond County Deputies about the steps the woman's own child took to save himself and his younger brother.

"This case is showing how the community is getting involved. You know, the child knew exactly where to go to get help," said Lt. Calvin Chew.  

Sheriff's deputies say nine year Gabriel Quick made a run for it to his next door neighbor, saying he was afraid of his own mother after he claimed she beat him while drunk. That neighbor was an off-duty Richmond County Sheriff's Deputy. 

"Knowing his neighbor and knowing that he was a law enforcement officer and knowing that he was going to get some help," said Lt. Chew.  

The boy had bruises all over his body and bite marks on his face, ear, shoulder and head.  His mother is 41 year old Crystal Lynne Quick who was arrested and charged with child cruelty.

"For a nine year old to recognize that and to know there is a police officer living next door, that's the first place he ran to get help," said Lt. Chew.

Despite the child's injuries, he still managed to know exactly where to he could find help.

Actions that reflect the importance of a supportive community.

"I will hope that my child, if that were ever to occur, will know who to go to and ask for help," said Lt. Chew.  

The two boys were taken to Georgia Regents University hospital but checked out with no broken bones or severe injuries. The children are in the care of their father.

Original Story:

A Richmond County mother is behind bars after her 9 year old reported abuse. Crystal Lynne Quick is charged with 1 felony count Cruelty to Children in the first degree and 1 misdemeanor charge of Cruelty to Children in the third degree.

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office was called to 4418 Lot B Peach Orchard Road, Hephzibah on Tuesday after a call came in about a possible child cruelty case.

Deputies say a neighbor called the Sheriff's Office after Quick's 9 year old child came over to his residence, knocked don his door and said he had been assaulted by his mother and thought she would harm him further because she was intoxicated.

The 9 year old was examined and had bruising to his chest, chin, forehead, neck, right elbow, and facial area as well as bite marks on his left cheek, left ear, right shoulder and the back of his head. He and a 3 year old sibling were taken to GRU Hospital to be evaluated and have been released to their father.