CABIN CREEK, W.Va. (AP) – Authorities in West Virginia say a father burned his 14-year-old son with a propane torch after the boy tried to protect his mother during an argument.

Citing a criminal complaint, news outlets report that 39-year-old Jason Anthony Smith, of Cabin Creek, is charged with child neglect creating risk of injury, a felony, in connection with the domestic incident Monday.

The teenage boy told police he grabbed Smith from behind because he believed Smith was going to hit his mother.

The two fell to the floor and authorities say Smith then burned his son’s left forearm and left calf with a small propane torch.

Smith could face a fine of up to $3,000 and a prison term of one to five years. It is unclear whether he has an attorney.

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