New Brunswick man burned 6-year-old in the face with a lighter, cops say

TOMS RIVER — Police have arrested a man they say used a lighter to burn a 6-year-old child's face.

The child was under the care of Kareem Hayes, 36, of New Brunswick, police said, but they didn't specify what his relation to the child was. The incident took place at a residence in Toms River.

The child suffered second- and third-degree burns to the face, neck and ear, police said.

Hayes was arrested Nov. 29, but the arrest was announced Tuesday.

Hayes was charged with aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child. He is is being held in the Ocean County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bail.

More from New Jersey 101.5: