A 3-year-old boy died falling off an airport escalator. Now, his mom faces child abuse charges

A North Carolina mother faces charges after her 3-year-old son fell from an airport escalator and died.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police issued a warrant Tuesday for Jiterria Lightner charging her with misdemeanor child abuse in the death of her son, Jaiden Cowart.

Lightner told WSOC-TV that she was with her three small children trying to pick up the family’s baggage after returning from a trip to Florida on Sept. 25 at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

According to the station, Cowart was leaning against the glass part of the escalator when he got caught in the handrail, was pulled up and fell. He was rushed to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries and died five days later.

Michael Greene, Lightner’s attorney, told WBTV that she was “10 to 15 feet away” from her children when the incident happened. He also said that there’s surveillance footage that shows the little boy on the escalator.

“No one has a child strapped to their hip for 24 hours a day. That doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s a neglect going on,” Greene told the station.

Greene didn't immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment. 

In a statement sent to USA TODAY on Thursday, the Charlotte Douglas International Airport said the escalator where the incident took place was inspected and back in service the following day. 

"We are extremely grateful for the quick response of our emergency crews and law enforcement officers and for the medical assistance and care they provided," the airport said about the incident in its statement. "We are committed to and constantly reviewing safety and risk. We review any and all recommendations and take appropriate measures."

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment. 

Contributing: Associated Press. Follow Adrianna Rodriguez on Twitter: @AdriannaUSAT.