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A Brownsville mother is facing criminal charges after she allegedly left her son playing in an apartment complex and went to a BBQ.

Brownsville police arrested 38-year-old Ana Martinez on a child endangerment charge on Sunday.

Investigators told Action 4 News that Martinez left her 7-year-old son alone while she went to a BBQ.

Police said the boy was left playing outdoors and alone at the apartment complex where he lived with his mother.

Officers were called to the scene and learned that nobody was watching over the boy.

Martinez allegedly returned home several hours later and appeared to have been drinking.

Investigators told Action 4 News that Child Protective Services is investigating the incident.