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Pinellas man arrested after 3-year-old ingested synthetic marijuana

 
Christopher Lee Clark, 45, faces a child neglect charge. He was booked in the Pinellas jail Sunday.
Christopher Lee Clark, 45, faces a child neglect charge. He was booked in the Pinellas jail Sunday.
Published Jan. 12, 2016

ST. PETERSBURG — A 45-year-old man was arrested Sunday night after a 3-year-old child in his care ingested synthetic marijuana, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

Christopher Lee Clark had the synthetic marijuana, also known as spice, in his pocket on Saturday, the Sheriff's Office said. At some point, the child took the spice from his pocket and ate it.

Detectives said the child got progressively ill through the night. Clark called 911 late Sunday morning after the child vomited, and became lethargic and unresponsive.

The child was taken by ambulance to All Children's Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine for treatment of what were reported to be life-threatening injuries. Clark admitted he bought the spice and admitted he knew the child had ingested it, detectives said. Their investigation also revealed that Clark had smoked spice at least twice while the child was in his care. Clark was arrested on a charge of child neglect and booked into the Pinellas County jail on Sunday. Deputies said the child is expected to survive.