Expectant Dad Arrested in Pregnant Woman's Beating

TAMPA, FL — A 23-year-old Tampa man is behind bars after Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies say he broke into the home of his unborn child’s mother early Wednesday morning. Once inside, he’s accused of beating the woman, who is seven months pregnant.

According to the sheriff’s office, the incident began to unfold around 5:20 a.m. Sept. 28 in the 10200 block of Morris Bridge Road. Lewis Adam Ladarius is accused of forcing his way into the home by breaking out glass from the front door.

“Once inside, Ladarius began striking the victim with his hands and feet,” an email from the sheriff’s office said. “The victim and her three roommates then ran into a back bedroom where they were followed by Ladarius.”

Ladarius, the sheriff’s office said, made his way into the bedroom and continue to hit the victim, Kayla Challenger, 22, and two of her roommates.

The women were able to eventually escape the room while Challenger ran to a neighbor’s house for help.

“Ladarius chased her inside (the neighbor's home) and continued to strike her,” the email noted.

Ladarius now faces a long list of charges including two counts of burglary of a dwelling with assault or battery, four counts of false imprisonment and two counts of aggravated battery on a pregnant female.

Deputies say Ladarius is the father of the unborn child. Challenger was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

No further information is available at this time.

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