Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office detectives are asking the public for help finding 31-year-old Jaylen Canales, who is wanted on a charge of domestic violence aggravated battery on a pregnant female. The appeal went out Wednesday in a social media post labeled “Warrant Wednesday,” with detectives asking anyone with information on his whereabouts to call 813-247-8200.
The case was featured in an HCSO post labeled “Warrant Wednesday.” The agency is led by Sheriff Chad Chronister. According to HCSO
, detectives are specifically asking for the public's help locating Canales and have asked anyone with information about his whereabouts to call 813-247-8200.
The charge against Canales carries serious weight under Florida law. Under Florida Statute § 784.045(1)(b), a battery committed against a victim known or who should have been known to be pregnant is automatically classified as aggravated battery, even if no weapon was used and no severe physical injury occurred, according to The Florida Senate. That means prosecutors do not need to prove serious harm or a weapon to pursue a second-degree felony charge.
What Conviction Could Mean for Canales
If convicted, Canales would face a second-degree felony carrying a statutory maximum of up to 15 years in state prison, per the Sammis Law Firm.
This is not the first time HCSO has sought a suspect on this exact charge this year. The agency has issued previous Warrant Wednesday alerts in 2026 for suspects facing identical charges of domestic violence aggravated battery on a pregnant female, including a September search for Jeffrey Couzens, as well as earlier appeals involving other domestic violence suspects throughout the year.
Domestic Violence Cases Remain a Local Priority
The search comes amid a broader local picture on domestic violence enforcement. HCSO announced in February 2026 that overall county crime dropped 12.79% in a single year for 2025, attributing sustained reductions in part to targeted efforts including the agency's newly created Domestic Violence Unit, per the sheriff's office.
Civil protective orders remain a significant part of the picture too. The Clerk of the Circuit Court in Hillsborough County processes approximately 6,600 domestic violence injunction applications annually, operating seven days a week in partnership with deputized advocates from local shelter organization The Spring, according to the Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court.
How To Report a Tip Safely
Anyone with information on Canales's location can call 813-247-8200, as detectives requested.
Officials stress that residents should never approach or attempt to detain a wanted suspect themselves. Public safety guidance issued alongside these warrant alerts instructs tipsters to report sightings to dispatch or Crime Stoppers rather than making contact on their own.
