California mother arrested for attacking her 2-year-old in flight: report

US News

From Steve Janoski

A California woman allegedly attacked her 2-year-old daughter on an international flight from Mexico to Seattle last week, kicking and backhanding the little girl mid-flight before shaking her “like a rag doll” as horrified passengers looked on .

Breanna Mistler, 33, of Sacramento, has been charged with child endangerment following the chaotic May 1 flight during which she allegedly yelled “Shut up!” with her young daughter, according to Fox 10 Phoenix.

Mistler’s crazy behavior — sparked when the girl woke her mother during the flight — led to an argument with other airmen who were trying to protect the toddler from her mother’s attack, the outlet reported, citing federal court documents.

“Despite interventions from passengers, Mistler allegedly continued the abuse,” said a statement from federal prosecutors in Washington state.

“Mind your damn business,” the angry mother allegedly told the other Delta customers.

Customs and Border Protection officers detained Mistler as soon as her plane landed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport — and discovered that her daughter had bruises on her eye, cheek, shoulder and forearm, USA Today reported.

Mistler told authorities that a dog caused the damage a week earlier, the outlet said

The FBI and Port of Seattle Police took over the investigation, and Mistler was charged with federal assault, press reports said.

“Even by the horrific standards of child abuse cases, this is shocking,” prosecutors said in the criminal complaint. “It is also the second time in six months that Mistler has been charged with endangering her child.”

The first time – in December – Mistler allegedly brought her young daughter with her when she broke into her mother’s home and slashed her tires, Fox said.

After the arrest, Child Protective Services sent the girl to live with a relative.

Meanwhile, a judge remanded Mistler in custody because she “committed the assaults in front of so many people during a long plane trip” and was particularly vulnerable, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

She is due back in court on May 16.