Detectives Investigate Near Drowning Of 1-Year-Old Child In Unincorporated Clearwater
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA — Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit are investigating the near drowning of a 1-year-old boy who was found lying face down in a 55 gallon drum of water in unincorporated Clearwater.
According to detectives, 1-year-old Anthony Petroski was with his father, Alexander Petroski, in the backyard of their residence. Anthony wandered off for less than a minute while Alexander was working in the backyard. Detectives say that when Alexander realized that he could no longer see Anthony, he went looking for him and found Anthony lying face down in a 55 gallon drum of water. Alexander pulled Anthony from the water and performed CPR until Dunedin Fire Rescue personnel arrived on scene.
Anthony had a pulse and was breathing before being transported by ambulance to Mease Countryside Hospital for life-threatening injuries.
Detectives say that the 55 gallon drum of water, which was being utilized for Alexander’s tilapia farm, was partially buried in the ground and was covered with a screen.
Detectives said that the incident appears to be accidental in nature.
The investigation continues.
