A man attempted to drown two of his children early this morning in the waters off a West Haven beach, according to police.

A release detailing the incident said an officer saw an SUV parked on the beach and heard “significant screaming taking place from the water” around 2:30 a.m. near Ocean Avenue and Dawson Avenue.

According to police: “As [the officer] continued towards this commotion, it was apparent an adult male and two small children were in the water. As the officer entered the water, the adult male continued to drift further away with the children all while screaming at the responding officers to ‘stay back.’”

Members of the West Shore Fire Department then deployed their boat to help with the rescue effort. Officers brought the children back to shore and lifesaving measures were provided.

The kids were bought to a hospital and remain in the ICU, according to police. Their names and ages have not been provided.

Romney Desronvil, 42, of Queens, New York, is in custody. Charges are pending.