An Alabama woman is in jail, accused of throwing a 5-year-old to the ground.

Selena Cheyanna Smith, 24, is charged with aggravated child abuse. She is being held without bond in the Dale County Jail.

Dothan police were notified at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday by hospital staff that a 5-year-old was being prepared for surgery with suspicious injuries, said Chief William E. Benny.

The healthcare worker told officers that the child had bruises over most of his or her body and significant bruising to the face.

Smith initially told investigators that the child was running around the family’s home, fell and hit the table.

Police did not release Smith’s relationship to the child, saying only that she was the adult responsible for the child.

The injuries, according to healthcare workers and investigators, did not match the story given.

An investigation was launched to determine the circumstances.

Shortly after the investigation began, Smith admitted to causing the injuries, Benny said.

According to investigators, Smith was attempting to discipline the child, grew frustrated, and threw the child to the ground where the child struck his or her head on the floor.

The incident caused the child’s brain to swell from the blunt trauma, which was life-threatening.

The child has since been transferred to a different hospital for further treatment and is listed in serious but stable condition.