Connecticut Father Arrested for Attempted Drowning of Children, Police Hailed as Heroes
A father from Queens was arrested early Saturday for allegedly attempting to drown his two children at a beach in West Haven, Connecticut, leaving the children in critical condition at a local hospital.
Romney Desronvil, 41, faces charges after police rescued his two children from Long Island Sound early Saturday morning. The dramatic rescue, involving both police officers and firefighters, left the children in critical condition at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital. Desronvil is now charged with attempted homicide and risk of injury, as investigators work to uncover the circumstances surrounding this harrowing incident.
The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. near Ocean and Dawson Avenues in West Haven. Police were alerted by significant screaming and quickly discovered a man and two small children in the water. As officers approached, they saw Desronvil moving himself and his children further into Long Island Sound, telling the officers to stay back.
Despite Desronvil's attempts to distance himself from the officers, they proceeded into the water. They were nearly 100 yards from shore when additional responders, including firefighters, arrived with a fireboat to assist in the rescue operation. It was a tense and challenging scene that required coordinated efforts to ensure the safety of the children.
The initial responding officer was able to retrieve the children from the water. The children were immediately transported to Yale New Haven Children's Hospital and are currently in critical condition in the intensive care unit. The exact nature of their injuries has not been disclosed, but their condition has been described as severe.
Desronvil, originally from Queens, New York, has been charged with two counts each of attempted homicide and risk of injury in connection to the incident. The West Haven Police Department is leading the investigation, and further details are expected to emerge as authorities continue to piece together what led to this harrowing episode.
Following the rescue operation, the responding officers and firefighters have been given time off to address their emotional and physical well-being. Three police officers suffered minor injuries during the rescue and were treated accordingly. The emotional toll on all responders has been significant, highlighting the challenges faced by first responders in such intense situations.
The children's mother, who was reportedly in New York on Friday night, arrived in New Haven by Saturday afternoon. There has been no public statement from her or any information regarding the family's situation prior to the incident.
West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer praised the efforts of the responding officers, referring to them as 'guardian angels.' The efforts of the West Haven Police Department and the West Shore Fire Department were pivotal in rescuing the children and preventing what could have been a far more tragic outcome.
West Shore Fire Chief Stephen Scafariello spoke about the emotional impact of the incident on the responders. Rescuing children from life-threatening situations is an immensely stressful ordeal, but the bravery and quick actions of the officers and firefighters prevented a potential disaster.
In total, approximately 22 minutes passed between the time the fire department received the emergency call and the children arrived at the hospital. This swift response was crucial in providing the necessary medical attention to the young victims.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The West Haven Police Department remains focused on uncovering all the facts to provide clarity and justice in this deeply troubling case.