Milwaukee, Wisconsin – A 38-year-old Wisconsin man already awaiting trial on a felony strangulation case is facing new and serious accusations after police say he threw a 5-month-old baby across an apartment hallway, prompting multiple witnesses to intervene and authorities to file additional charges.
Incident Overview
According to police and court records, Sergio Chavez-Morales was arrested on December 26, 2025, following an incident that allegedly occurred four days earlier inside an apartment building in Milwaukee. Investigators say several witnesses reported seeing Chavez-Morales grab an infant and violently toss the child across the hallway, causing the baby to cry out in pain.
The incident unfolded on December 22, 2025, when officers from the Milwaukee Police Department responded to a weapons complaint at the building.
What Police Say Happened
When officers arrived, they encountered a chaotic scene involving Chavez-Morales and an unnamed 19-year-old woman who was reportedly chasing him with a knife. Police were able to separate the two and conduct interviews with those involved, as well as with multiple witnesses who were present.
According to a criminal complaint, the woman told officers she saw Chavez-Morales grab the 5-month-old baby and throw the child across the hallway. She said the baby immediately began crying, which drew attention from other residents.
Several additional witnesses provided statements that closely matched the woman’s account. Police said witnesses independently described Chavez-Morales throwing the infant either across the hallway or to the ground, reinforcing the consistency of the allegations.
Condition of the Baby
Emergency responders transported the baby to Children’s Wisconsin for medical evaluation following the incident.
Police said doctors did not observe any immediate fractured bones, but the baby was examined as a precaution due to the nature of the alleged assault and the child’s young age. Authorities have not released further details about the infant’s current condition, citing privacy protections for minors.
Suspect’s Prior Criminal Case
Court records show that Chavez-Morales was already awaiting trial at the time of the alleged child abuse incident. He is facing separate charges of strangulation and disorderly conduct, stemming from an earlier case.
That trial was scheduled to begin on January 5, adding to the seriousness of the new allegations. Prosecutors say the new charges also include bail jumping, since Chavez-Morales was under court supervision when the incident allegedly occurred.
Arrest, Charges, and Bond
Following the investigation, Chavez-Morales was taken into custody and booked into the Milwaukee County Jail. Prosecutors formally charged him with:
- Child abuse
- Bail jumping
During his initial court appearance, a judge set his bond at $3,000 cash. Court records indicate Chavez-Morales posted bond on Wednesday, securing his release from custody.
He is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on January 2, where a judge will determine whether there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
Legal and Public Safety Context
Cases involving alleged harm to infants are treated with heightened urgency due to the extreme vulnerability of young children. Even when injuries are not immediately visible, medical professionals warn that infants can suffer internal trauma that may not appear right away.
Law enforcement officials stress the importance of witnesses reporting violent behavior, particularly in shared living spaces such as apartment buildings. In this case, police say multiple witness statements played a key role in advancing the investigation and filing charges.
What Happens Next
As the case moves forward, prosecutors will present witness testimony, medical records, and police reports during the preliminary hearing. Chavez-Morales remains presumed innocent under the law unless proven guilty in court.
The pending strangulation case scheduled for early January could also be affected by the new charges, depending on how the court proceeds.
Conclusion
A Milwaukee man already facing serious felony charges now stands accused of endangering the life of a 5-month-old baby, raising significant concerns about public safety and court supervision compliance. With multiple witnesses, hospital evaluations, and two separate criminal cases pending, the legal process ahead is expected to draw close scrutiny.
If you or someone you know witnesses child endangerment or domestic violence, authorities urge immediate reporting to local law enforcement. Share your experiences in the comments below.
