A mother in New Canaan is facing charges after police say her 7-year-old son suffered a serious head injury while riding a scooter without a helmet.

Authorities say Catherine Palmer, 42, was arrested on two counts of risk of injury to a minor. They say Palmer was in her house on Butler Lane while her two sons were about a half-mile away on Putnam Road on their scooters. The 7-year-old fell off the scooter and hit his head.

Officers say someone saw the incident and called police. Witnesses pointed out that it was not the first instance that the child was allowed to leave the house without a helmet. The police chief also said the child was allowed to be at home alone with someone who was incapable of caring for him.

Police say the boy was treated at Yale-New Haven Hospital for a head injury.

The Department of Children and Families is investigating. Palmer posted bond and is due in court on Monday.