Colorado dad arrested, charged with attempted murder after son, 5, rescued from icy water, police say

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Denver police on Wednesday arrested a 42-year-old dad on attempted murder charges after he and his 5-year-old son were rescued from the icy water along the Cherry Creek Trail last week. 

First responders received a call from Michael Ninomiya on January 12 around 4:15 p.m., according to an affidavit obtained by Fox News. Firefighters located Ninomiya and his son in a fenced-off drainage culvert along the High Line Canal near Boston St and Cornell Ave, the affidavit said. 

Ninomiya was found with a laceration on his forehead and transported to Swedish Medical Center. His son was transported to the Children’s Hospital in critical condition. 

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The boy’s mother told investigators that Ninomiya and her son had left to go on an "adventure" earlier that morning. She said she became concerned when it grew dark and Ninomiya did not reply because he had never come home late with their son. 

FOX 31 reported that Ninomiya allegedly admitted to investigators in interviewers that he tried to kill his son. He allegedly told investigators he pulled into the water and physically assaulted him until he wasn't sure if his son was breathing. The station reported that Ninomiya allegedly admitted to hurting himself "to make it look like an accident" before calling for help. 

The Denver Police Department did not independently confirm these details when reached by Fox News. 

Denver Police Department issued a crime bullerton for the case involving Michael Ninomiya and his 5-year-old son.  (Denver Police Department )

The boy remains hospitalized in critical condition due to fluctuating pressure in his brain, police said. 

Two days after Ninomiya and his son were rescued, the Denver Police Department issued a crime stoppers bulletin, asking the public for tips. Ninomiya’s arrest on Wednesday came as a result of an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

Ninomiya is charged with attempting to commit first-degree murder after deliberation, attempting to commit first-degree murder of a victim under 12, and attempting to commit child abuse that would knowingly or recklessly cause death.

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The District Attorney’s Office told Fox News it has not picked up Ninomiya’s case and referred all questions to the Denver Police Department. It was not clear if Ninomiya had retained an attorney who could speak on his behalf.