Two children are recovering in a Connecticut ICU after their father allegedly tried to drown them at a West Haven beach early Saturday morning, according to police.
Around 2:30 a.m., a West Haven Police Department patrol officer noticed an SUV parked at Dawson Avenue Beach. As the officer approached the vehicle, screams from the water drew immediate attention, investigators reported.
Upon inspection, the officer discovered Romney Desronvil, 41, in the water with two children. According to police, as the officer entered the water, Desronvil moved further away, yelling at the officers to “stay back.”
Rescue efforts
“The male was deliberately drowning his children,” the West Haven Police Department stated. Additional officers and fire department personnel entered the water, some going as far as 100 yards from the shore, to assist in the rescue.
The children, both under 3 years old, were successfully pulled from the water and brought to shore, where life-saving measures were administered before they were rushed to the hospital.
Current condition
West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer informed reporters that the children were showing signs of improvement but remained in critical condition. She praised Officers Williamson and Miller for their quick and decisive actions. “They had guardian angels this morning,” Borer said.
Arrest and charges
Romney Desronvil, a resident of Queens, New York, was arrested and charged with two counts each of attempted manslaughter and risk of injury. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed, according to police. Attorney information for Desronvil was not immediately available.