Irma Navarro, Calif. woman, suspected of chaining 10-year-old son's legs together, police say

(CBS/AP) SANTA ANA, Calif.- Police say a mother has been arrested on suspicion of chaining her 10-year-old son's legs together in an attempt to prevent him from getting out of the house and into trouble.

Santa Ana police said Friday that officers found the boy on the ground in an apartment complex courtyard with an aluminum chain wrapped around his ankles and locked with a padlock on Thursday. A witness found the child crying and leaning against a tree, CBS LA reports.

"My mom did this to me," the boy reportedly said. He also told the witness he had difficulty standing and walking and needed help, reports the station.

Police arrested Irma Navarro for investigation of cruelty to a child. Her three children were placed in protective custody.

Police say Navarro chained the boy because when she went to work he would leave and stay out after dark.

Navarro was booked for willful cruelty It was not immediately known if she had an attorney.