As touch and perseverance of

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Police say an 11-year-old boy is out of harm's way tonight, thanks to a clever restaurant manager. Sam Brock has more.

Reporter: The warning signs may not have been glaring, but they were visible enough.

We have some customers here with two kids. One of the kids with a lot of bruises on his arms.

Reporter: Orlando restaurant corner Flaviane Carvalho, sensing distress from a 11-year-old boy with his family, secretly flashing him this note, "Do you need help?" what happened when you showed him that sign? He nods me yes, he needs help and made the sign with his hands.

Reporter: Timothy Wilson II, the boy's stepfather, is behind bars tonight facing three counts of aggravated child abuse.

Police say the boy told investigators his stepfather hit him with a wooden broom, tied straps around his ankles and neck, and was hung upside down from a door. Even just seeing the pictures is absolutely appalling that this happened to a child.

Reporter: police told nbc news wilson denied the charges, though they say the boy's mother, Kristen Swann, admitted to knowing about the abuse. She's charged with two counts of child neglect.

The boy and his half-sister now in protective custody, as touch and perseverance of another mother.

I was ready to grab him and don't let him leave.

Reporter: May have changed the trajectory of this boy's life. Sam Brock, nbc news.