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Pinellas Sheriff Investigates Near Drowning of One Year Old

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 The child was found lying face down in a 55-gallon drum of water in unincorporated Clearwater on Saturday (Feb. 13). Pinellas deputies say the incident appears to be accidental in nature.

CLEARWATER – Deputies 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.

Deputies said 1-year-old Anthony Petroski was with his father, Alexander Petroski, 56, in the backyard of their residence about 6 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 13). Anthony wandered off for less than a minute while his father was working in the backyard. Detectives say that when Petroski 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.

Petroski 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 taken by ambulance to Mease Countryside Hospital for life-threatening injuries. Deputies said the 55-gallon drum of water, which was being used for Petroski’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.

For information about the Pinellas County Sheriff, go to pcsoweb.com.

Pinellas County Sheriff | Clearwater | Drowning | Petroski | Child Drowning | TB Reporter

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