Authorities arrested a man on Saturday after he allegedly tried to drown his child on a beach in West Haven, Connecticut, Fox News reported.
West Haven police responded to a call of “loud screams” and intervened, rescuing the drowning children. according to They arrested suspect Romney Deslonville, 42, according to Fox News.
Father arrested after trying to drown child on Connecticut beach: police https://t.co/ytfCt4Fh0L
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 22, 2024
According to the media, the incident occurred just after 2:30 a.m. when police officers patrolling the beach spotted a parked SUV and heard screams coming from the water. Police later found Deslonville and his two young children in Long Island Sound. As officers approached, Deslonville retreated deeper into the water and yelled “get out,” the media reported. (Related article: Young brothers killed in river flooding)
“At this point it was apparent the man was intentionally attempting to drown the children,” the statement said, according to Fox News. Police officers and members of the West Shore Fire Department then entered the water, some using a fire department boat, to reach the children, who were reportedly nearly 100 yards from shore.
The New London Harbor Lighthouse stands above the beach in New London, Connecticut, on Aug. 21, 2021. – Storm Henri could become the first hurricane to hit New England in 30 years, triggering warnings for a wide swath of the U.S. East Coast, including New York City, on Saturday. (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)
The children were safely rescued and quickly taken to a local hospital where they were admitted to the intensive care unit, according to Fox News. The quick actions of the rescue team were crucial in saving the children’s lives.
“There is no doubt that the patrol officers’ quick response saved the children’s lives,” police said, Fox News reported.
According to Fox News, the case has been handed over to the Criminal Division and more details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. Criminal charges against the father are pending and local authorities are closely monitoring the case.
