Police Charge Man Who Tossed 2-Month-Old Baby At Police Officers While Trying To Escape

A Florida man who threw his two-month-old baby at a deputy while trying to escape police has been charged, authorities announced Friday.

John Henry James, 32, attempted to evade arrest around 6:30 p.m., May 26, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

James was “driving recklessly” when an officer attempted to pull him over for failing to stay in one lane, according to authorities. James then drove off for approximately 40 minutes, hitting the front end of one detective’s cruiser and dodging multiple roadblocks. Eventually, James pulled into an apartment complex where police boxed him in.

A nearby resident can be heard in police footage yelling, “He’s got a baby!”

As James attempted to escape, he grabbed his two-month-old son and threw the baby at a deputy, police said. The deputy managed to catch the child and the Department of Children and Families was notified, police said. (RELATED: Footage Shows Wild End To High-Speed Police Chase Involving 5 Juveniles)

James fled on foot through trees and in-between buildings until officers managed to capture him. James allegedly resisted arrest and bit and kicked deputies.

While in police custody, James complained he could not breathe and that he had asthma. Police took him to a nearby fire station where EMS checked him out before he was transferred to a nearby hospital. James was medically cleared June 1 and is being held without bond.

James faces two felony counts of aggravated child abuse, according to Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.

“You can’t throw a baby and expect us to treat you with kid gloves,” Sheriff Eric Flowers said.