Denver dad arrested after young son is rescued from icy water with life-threatening injuries

DENVER (TCD) -- A father was arrested about a week after he and his son were rescued from near-frozen water in a remote area of Cherry Creek Trail.

On Jan. 14, Denver Police tweeted to the public and asked if anyone had information regarding an adult male and juvenile male who were seen on the Cherry Creek of High Line Canal Trail on Jan. 12 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Police said they were "investigating the circumstances of how the boy suffered life-threatening injuries."

Five days later, on Jan. 19, Denver Police announced they arrested the boy’s father as part of their attempted murder investigation. According to KDVR-TV, 42-year-old Michael Ninomiya allegedly admitted to police that he tried to kill his 5-year-old son. He reportedly said he pulled his son into the ice-cold water and hurt him until he thought his son might be dead. Ninomiya allegedly tried injuring himself "to make it look like an accident," then called for help.

KUSA-TV reports Ninomiya and his son were eventually rescued by the Denver Fire Department in a drainage culvert that was fenced off. Firefighters told KUSA the boy was not responsive when they found the pair. He reportedly remains in critical condition. According to the Daily Beast, doctors told police the boy was on a ventilator and "possibly would not survive."

Ninomiya’s wife told police that he and his son went "for an adventure" and even sent her pictures from their hike, the Daily Beast reports, citing the affidavit. The mother became worried once it got dark and they had not returned home.

According to Denver County Jail records, Ninomiya was booked on charges including attempted murder and child abuse — negligently cause death. His bond is set at $1 million.

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