St. Pete man burned 'smiley' faces on three children, police say

A St. Petersburg man has been accused of burning what appeared to be “smiley” face images onto three children.

St. Peterburg police arrested 21-year-old Joshua Ryan Mize on Wednesday morning. Police said the children, ages 5, 8, and 10, told them that Mize held them down and burned them using a lighter. 

According to his arrest affidavit, the “smiley” images had two dots and one in the shape of “U.” He was caring for the children when the incidents occurred, police said.

Mize faces charges including child abuse and aggravated battery.