Police are calling it a great example of “see something, say something,” and an officer says an Orlando server’s quick thinking helped save a boy from an abusive situation.

According to an arrest affidavit, Flaviane Carvalho was serving a family of four at Mrs. Potato on Kirkman Road when she suspected something was wrong.

She told police the boy’s father wouldn’t let him order anything to eat or drink.

Carvalho also noticed the boy had multiple bruises on his arms and face, the affidavit said.

She told investigators she then wrote the boy a note, asking whether he needed help. At first, he said no. But when she asked again, he said yes.

That’s when Carvalho called police.

Investigators wrote in the affidavit that the responding officer asked the father, Timothy Wilson, whether he could speak with the boy in private. The father agreed, and the officer took the boy outside the restaurant.

That’s where the officer says he noticed a bruise on the boy’s face and “what appeared to be a healing wound on the bridge of his nose.”

In the affidavit, the officer said the boy claimed he fell out of bed and hit his face on a table, and he got the bruises on his arm “from wrestling with his dad.”

But the officer said the boy eventually described abuse. According to the affidavit, the boy told the officer that his father “has recently been beating him with a wooden broom, back scratcher and his closed fists … when he does something wrong.” The boy also told police his father “makes him do ‘exercises’ such as planks for punishments as well.”

"It was torture, there's no justification for it in any realm of the world," said Det. Erin Lawler Thursday. "I'm a mother, and seeing what that 11-year-old had to go through, it shocks your soul."

The father denied abusing his son or physically punishing him in any way.

Wilson was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse. The boy's mother was also arrested for child neglect because police said she knew about the abuse but did not seek medical attention. 

The boy was treated by Orlando Fire Department paramedics and taken to a hospital.

The owner of the restaurant, Rafa Cabede, says Carvalho wasn't supposed to be working that night. She came in after another worker called out. 

"We understand that this has to encourage other people, when you see something, say something," Cabede said. 

"We are 100% convinced that this saved the life of a child," said Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon. "And potentially, the future abuse of his sister."

A trust fund has been set up to help the boy and his sister. Those who wish to donate can send those donations to:

• COLE, SCOTT & KISSANE , P.A. Trust Account
  c/o The Northern Trust Company
  600 Brickell Avenue, Suite 2400
  Miami, Florida  33131
  Attn:   Michael Villasana
  For the benefit of the minor children of Wilson/Swann