PD: Mom gives toddler beer at restaurant

PHOENIX - A Valley mom has been arrested after she allegedly put beer in her 2-year-old son's "sippy" cup at a Phoenix pizza restaurant.

Valerie Marie Topete, 36, faces one count of child abuse.

Phoenix police say officers were called to the restaurant near 48th Street and Ray Road on Tuesday for a "check welfare" call.

Witnesses reportedly told officers they'd seen Topete pour what was believed to be beer from a pitcher into the boy's drinking cup.

Witnesses said they saw the boy drink from the cup and at one point Topete left the child alone at the table with the alcohol in the cup.

Fire crews were called to the restaurant to evaluate the child and he was taken to a local hospital for precautionary reasons.

When police interviewed Topete, she reportedly admitted to pouring beer in the cup because the child "kept reaching" for the beer pitcher. She initially told officers the boy did not drink from the cup but later said the child may have taken a drink.

Officers checked the cup and found the liquid was consistent with beer, according to police.

Topete was arrested and booked into jail.

The boy and two other children, ages 4 and 8, were released to the care of their father.