A Florida deputy was able to save a baby from harm when a man fleeing from law enforcement threw the 2-month-old child at the officer in a last attempt to get away, reports say.
John Henry James III, 32, is now facing multiple counts of aggravated child abuse, reckless driving, resisting arrest with violence, aggravated battery on an officer, and fleeing and eluding, CBS 12 reports. Meanwhile, Indian Count Deputy Jacob Curby is being hailed for saving the baby.
“I’m just happy the kid was alright and that he has no injuries, that he’s safe and the guy is behind bars,” Curby tells WESH Channel 2.
A news release from the Indian County Sheriff’s Office says the chase occurred on May 26. James is accused of leading law enforcement on a 40-minute chase through Gifford when he sped off during an attempted traffic stop. He eventually drove into the parking lot of an apartment complex, where officers boxed him in.
When James got out of the vehicle, he grabbed a 2-month-old boy from the back seat and threw him in the direction of Curby, according to the sheriff’s office. Curby was able to safely catch the child as James tried to get away by running through an area of trees between two buildings, officials say.
Deputies were able to catch him, but the department says James continued to resist and tried to bite deputies as he was put into the back of a patrol car. James reportedly complained he had asthma and was struggling to breathe. He was taken to a hospital, where continued to fight with authorities, the news release says.
“You can’t throw a baby at us and expect us to treat you with kid gloves,” Sheriff Eric Flowers said in the news release. James is being held in jail without bond.
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