Video shows suspect using baby as human shield

WESLEY CHAPEL (FOX 13) - Pasco Sheriff's Deputies have released video of a hostage situation where they said a baby was used a shield.

Deputies were responding to Shenandoah Run in Wesley Chapel after a report of a domestic disturbance. There, they found Travis Connolly, who was allegedly armed with a gun and threatening to use it.

"They got together, they came up with a plan to surround the house as best they could," said Eddie Daniels, a spokesman for the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.

When they came face-to-face with Connolly, they shot him with non-lethal beanbags. That's when he retreated into the house and, according to deputies, picked up an 18-month-old child to use as a human shield. 

In bodycam video provided by the sheriff's office, deputies can be heard firing the beanbag rounds. He was hit in the back. 

Connolly eventually surrendered, but when he was apprehended, deputies said he bit one of them on the arm. Video shows him later trying to deny biting one of them.

A 6-year-old girl and the 18-month-old were rescued and appeared to be unharmed. 

"Once he put the child down and he was taken into custody, he admitted [he] didn't want to get shot, and figured if he held the kid, no one would fire at [him]," said Daniels.

Connolly faces a number of charges, including child abuse, domestic battery and battery on a deputy.

Connolly's home address is listed with the sheriff's office as being in Buffalo, New York.