Man Faces Child Neglect After Girl Eats Synthetic Marijuana

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (CBSMiami/AP) —  A Florida man is facing child neglect charges after police say a 3-year old girl ate synthetic marijuana while in his care.

In a news release, Pinellas County Sheriff's officials announced they arrested 45-year-old Christopher Lee Clark on Sunday.

Investigators say Clark bought synthetic marijuana, also known as street spice, and had it in his pocket. At some point on Saturday evening the child took the spice from the man's pocket and ate it.

According to the news release, the child became increasingly ill overnight and by Sunday morning was lethargic and unresponsive. Clark called 911 and she was taken to the hospital in critical condition. He told investigators he knew the child had ingested the spice.

Clark remains in the Pinellas County Jail. It's unclear whether he's hired an attorney.

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