Ellenton couple charged with aggravated child abuse by using baby as human shield

MANATEE -- An Ellenton couple was charged with aggravated child abuse after using a baby as a shield from deputies serving a warrant on the man for aggravated battery, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Sergio Mapps, 28, and Angela Leal, 20, were arrested at 10:38 a.m. Wednesday in the 6300 block of 36th Street Court East.

According to a report, deputies responded to the home of Mapps and Leal to serve a warrant on Mapps for aggravated battery. Mapps was seen looking through the window and quickly closed the shades of the bedroom. The window to the bedroom was open. Deputies reported trying to make contact with Mapps who refused to leave the residence and continually yelled that he was not coming out.

Deputies had their weapons out and at low ready due to recent threats made to the sheriff's office from Mapps about him wanting to shoot Manatee deputies, according to a report. Leal was seen holding her baby up in front of Mapps and using the baby as a shield to protect him. Deputies said Mapps and Leal got up from the bed and Leal stood in front of Mapps as they backed out of the bedroom continuing to use the baby as a shield. Leal then shut the door so deputies could not see them anymore, according to the report.

Deputies again ordered Mapps out of the residence and heard him scream that he was scared and on the phone to confirm he had a warrant. He eventually stepped out of the home and was arrested, according to the report. Leal was also arrested and the baby was released to a grandmother.

Mapps was charged with aggravated child abuse, aggravated battery, and resisting an officer without violence. He was being held in Manatee County jail without bond, according to the sheriff's office website. Leal was charged with aggravated child abuse and resisting an officer without violence. She was being held in Manatee County jail without bond.

This story was originally published May 12, 2016 at 5:52 PM with the headline "Ellenton couple charged with aggravated child abuse by using baby as human shield ."