MILWAUKEE, WI – A Wisconsin mother is facing legal charges after allegedly abandoning her 12-year-old son on a busy interstate. The incident unfolded inside the family during a heated argument between Flor Escalante and her son over his academic performance.

Escalante has been charged with felony child abandonment and misdemeanor child neglect. The altercation reportedly took place en route to a Sylvan Learning Center, where the boy was slated for tutoring. Amidst the disagreement, Escalante is said to have pulled over on the shoulder of I-94, instructing her son to exit the vehicle and walk almost two miles to their destination.

Numerous motorists alerted authorities after witnessing the young boy walking on the highway shoulder, visibly upset and inadequately dressed for the evening’s dropping temperatures.

Police scanner reports described the child as unable to recall his parent’s full names. As rush hour traffic loomed and the temperature fell to around 50 degrees, law enforcement swiftly responded to ensure the child’s safety.

The boy informed officers that he was making his way to the learning center to meet his mother. Upon reaching the location, Escalante was promptly taken into custody by local authorities and transferred to the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department for questioning.

In her statement, Escalante attempted to justify her actions, expressing frustration that her son did not appreciate her efforts to support him, given her commitments with multiple jobs. Her intention was reportedly to teach him a lesson in understanding “what labor is” by making him walk.

Escalante expressed remorse over the incident, stating that she initially believed traffic was moving slowly and that law enforcement would inevitably reunite them. Despite her visible distress during questioning, authorities noted she did not fully comprehend the reckless nature of her actions.

She was released on a $500 bail following the incident. The boy is currently in the care of other family members as Escalante seeks to resolve her personal issues.