Child abuse is very real, and we as a community should always be aware of the signs.

According to a report from our news partners at KWTX, a 6-year-old boy was found with his hands tied behind his back inside of his grandmother's shed in Dallas, TX.

Local law enforcement received a tip and on Sunday evening arrived to the residence of 53-year-old Esmeralda Lira, the child's grandmother. Lira's boyfriend, 64-year-old Jose Balderas, also lives at the residence.

Upon arrival, police questioned Lira about her grandson's whereabouts and she responded by stating that her grandson was with his mother. Fortunately, another man who lives on Lira's property directed police to a shed where they were able to locate the young boy.

Lira told police that the boy had only recently been put in the shed, but her boyfriend, Balderas, informed police that the child had been on punishment for the past two weeks after stealing food.

Apparently, children are no longer allowed to eat? I don't understand this justification at all.

Police asked the young boy when this punishment started and he stated that it was when he "got out of school for this corona thing."

The saddest part is that the 6-year-old was not the only child living in the home. The Texas Department of Family and Protective services have removed the 6-year-old, his 7-year-old sister, and 4-year-old brother from the home and they are currently in foster care.

Both Lira and Balderas are facing federal charges for endangering a child.

Please report child abuse by calling 1-800-252-5400, or you can make an online report here.

Please call 911 in the case of a life-threatening emergency.

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