Louisiana mom arrested for making false kidnapping report after 'disagreement' with son

Louisiana authorities say a woman was arrested and charged for falsely reporting a child kidnapping after getting into a disagreement with her son, according to a press release.

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office received a call from the mother Nov. 5, who said her son was kidnapped near a highway in Eunice − a city about 80 miles from Baton Rouge.

She claimed the suspects inside an older truck took her son while she was parked on the road and dealing with a flat tire, the press release said.

When deputies got to the scene by US 190 and Industrial Road, they were informed that the child was located in the parking lot at a local medical clinic. He was found by bystanders in the area.

Per authorities, the child had injuries to his knees. He accused his mother of running him over and leaving "him on the side of the road."

The victim was later taken to a hospital.

Crime:The boy was found in a ditch in Wisconsin in 1959. He was identified 65 years later.

The mother allowed her child 'to run off in the dark'

When speaking to detectives, the mother allegedly confessed that a kidnapping did not take place, and her son was left unattended along the road.

"What started as a disagreement between a mother and a child became a bizarre reaction to the child having a tantrum," the press release stated. "As the mother pulled the car over, the child, obviously not properly restrained, bailed out of the car before it came to a stop, resulting in the injuries to the child’s knees. The mother chose to leave the child out of the car, allowing him to run off in the dark, along major roadways."

According to authorities, the mother said she didn't try to go after her son, which caused her to lose "sight of him."

KPLC reported that the 24-year-old woman is facing several charges, including child desertion, cruelty to juveniles and false swearing for the purpose of violating public health and safety.

Records show that she's housed at the local jail.

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.