Detectives are seeking witnesses in a reported child abuse case that occurred on Friday, June 27 around 7:30 p.m.

That evening police were called to the Noodles and Company restaurant, located at 5900 Kingstowne Village Parkway, for suspected child abuse.

Officers were directed to a 34-year-old Springfield-area woman and her 4-year-old son who were inside the restaurant. An investigation determined that a patron alerted employees after the woman allegedly struck the child. Police were called when she began shouting at the boy. Officers released the child to another family member after discovering numerous bruises on his body. The investigation is ongoing.

Detectives would like to speak with anyone who may have been in the restaurant or observed the incident take place that evening. The woman is described as white, about 5 feet 5 inches tall and 350 pounds. She had long brown hair and was wearing a T-shirt and blue stretch pants.