CHAPIN, SC — The mother of a 6-year-old boy was charged with cruelty after the boy came to school last month with injuries to the side of his face and ear.

Crystal Maren, 29, was arrested Tuesday afternoon following an investigation by the S.C. Department of Social Services.

The boy told his teacher on February 26 that his “mommy hit him with a spatula” several times for not listening, Chapin Police Chief Troy Crump said.

Social Services was contacted by the school. After an investigation, which included an interview with the child and a medical examination, the boy and a 1-year-old sister were placed in the care of Maren’s mother.

-- Rachael Myers Lowe