WEST HAVEN, CT – A potentially disastrous incident was averted by the quick response of a Connecticut police officer early Saturday morning. Romney Desronvil, a 41-year-old Queens, New York resident, was apprehended in West Haven while allegedly trying to drown two small children. Police discovered him when an officer spotted an SUV parked on a local beach around 2:30 a.m. and heard loud screaming emanating from the water.
Despite the officer’s approach, Desronvil continued to wade farther into the water with the children, yelling for the officer to “Stay back!” The West Haven Police Department reported on Facebook that it became clear to the officer that Desronvil was attempting to drown the children deliberately.
Multiple officers responded to the scene, venturing about 100 yards from the shore to intercept Desronvil. They were soon joined by additional rescuers on a fire boat. The first officer on the scene was able to take the children from Desronvil and, with the help of other officers, brought them safely to shore.
Lifesaving measures were immediately administered to the children. They were then transported to a local hospital, where they remained in intensive care as of Saturday. Meanwhile, Desronvil was taken into custody, although it remains unclear whether he has legal representation.
The West Haven Police Department took to Facebook to acknowledge the responding officers’ quick action, stating, “It is without a doubt the swift response by our patrol officers saved the lives of these children.”
Officials are still investigating and are yet to disclose details of any charges and additional information regarding the incident.