The father was arrested for aggravated battery and cruelty to juveniles. Arndra Lee Stephens, 35, of Haughton was arrested Thursday.

The children were ages 5, 10 and 11. Deputies said one child was hit in the face, another was hit on the left arm and a third child was hit on the leg, deputies said. The children's mother was hit on the shoulder when she intervened, deputies said.

Deputies said the level of aggression toward everyone led to the battery charge.