A 25-year-old Chandler man accused of burning his son's hand and wrist because the child touched his Bible was booked Sunday on suspicion of child abuse, police said.

Johnny Salazar was taking care of his two sons, ages 2 and 5 this weekend on the 800 Block of East Flint Street, police said. He shares custody of the boys with their mother, who lives in Casa Grande. Both Salazar and the boys' mother live with their own parents.

Sunday, Salazar's parents returned from church and noticed the red blistering on the wrist and hand of the 5-year-old, and asked Salazar what happened, said Chandler Police Sgt. Joe Favazzo.

Salazar told his parents he used a cigarette lighter to burn his son's hand and the back of his wrist, Favazzo said.

"The boy was touching his Bible and he thought the boy may be possessed," Favazzo said.

The boy told his grandmother, "well dad burned me for touching his Bible."

Salazar was talking gibberish and not making sense, Favazzo said.

He picked up the 2-year-old, went to his car and drove off, Favazzo said. He returned within a half hour.

"The children are with their mother," Favazzo said, adding the burn did not require medical attention. "They are safe."