Dixon mom arrested for beating toddler during flight

(Photo via social media; Graphic by Solano NewsNet)

A Dixon woman was arrested last week on suspicion of child abuse for allegedly beating her toddler during an international flight, Solano NewsNet has learned.

The woman, 33-year-old Breanna R. Mistler, was arrested in Seattle on May 1 after traveling from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with her 2-year-old.

According to a federal criminal complaint, Mistler became agitated after the child woke up during the flight. Mistler began kicking the child and, at one point, shook the toddler “like a rag doll.”

When passengers tried to intervene, Mistler allegedly told them to “mind your own business,” then continued abusing the child. Passengers ultimately detained Mistler, and she was arrested after the flight landed in Washington state.

A judge overseeing the case ordered Mistler to remain jailed at the Federal Detention Center in Seattle. The toddler was taken into protective custody; Child Protective Services is working to reunite the toddler with a relative.

All incidents that occur aboard domestic or international flights are handled by federal law enforcement. Accordingly, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is looking into the matter, and Mistler’s case will be heard in federal court.

While the U.S. Department of Justice initially identified Mistler as living in Sacramento, Solano NewsNet has learned her residence at the time of the incident was Dixon, and her last job was with a trucking company in nearby Winters.

Records reviewed by Solano NewsNet show Mistler has an extensive criminal record. Last December, she was arrested by the Dixon Police Department on suspicion of burglary and child endangerment. Several years ago, police also arrested Mistler on suspicion of corporal injury to another person and possession of a controlled substance.