West Haven: Queens, NY man arrested in attempted children drowning

WEST HAVEN, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - West Haven Police say they have a man in custody in connection with an attempted drowning of children early Saturday morning.

An officer noticed a Nissan SUV parked on the beach in the area of Ocean and Dawson Avenues.

When the officer went to investigate, they heard loud screaming coming from the beach.

That's where Rodney Desronvil, 41, of Queens, New York, was allegedly trying to drown children.

As the Officer entered the water, police say Desronvil continued to drift further away with the children, while screaming at the responding officers to “stay back.”

It's believed the children were about 100 yards away from the shore at that point.

By now, other officers responded to the scene and joined members of the West Shore Fire Department in the West Shore Fire boat.

The initial arriving Officer was able to gain possession of both children and back up officers assisted him in bringing the children to shore.

Life saving measures were provided to both children and they were immediately transported in an ambulance to a local hospital.

Both children remain in the ICU at a local hospital.

At this time Desronvil is in West Haven Police Custody. Charges against him are pending.