A Connecticut man is accused of assaulting his 13-month-old son and trying to burn him with a lighter as a neighbor attempted to protect the boy, who suffered only minor injuries.

Bridgeport police charged 28-year-old Marvin Williams with third-degree assault, possession of narcotics and other crimes Thursday after responding to a report of a child being assaulted.

Authorities say a woman who lived nearby saw what was happening and took the child away from Williams before officers arrived. Police say Williams tried to burn the boy with a lighter as the woman took the child away from him.

Police called the woman a hero.

Both Williams and the child were taken to a hospital to be evaluated.

Williams is in police custody. It's not clear if he has a lawyer.