California mom accused of covering toddler’s head with plastic bag, tying his hands during fire

According to KTLA, police arrested Maricela Magana Ruiz, 47, of Santa Paula, on child endangerment and arson charges early Monday, hours after firefighters rescued her and the 3-year-old boy from the blaze.

In a news release, Santa Paula police said the Ventura County Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at the Bahia Circle home just after 6 p.m. Sunday. Firefighters discovered Ruiz "tied to a bed" and the child "in another part of the home," police said. Crews put out the fire and rushed the pair, who suffered smoke inhalation, to a nearby hospital, according to the release.

Investigators later spoke to Ruiz and "determined she endangered her 3-year old son by placing a plastic bag over his head and tying his hands before placing him in a bedroom by himself," the release said.

Ruiz was jailed and released after posting $50,000 bail, KNBC reported late Monday.

Authorities have not revealed a motive but suspect the incident may be connected to a custody dispute, according to KTLA. Detectives are still investigating "the origin of the fire," police said.

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