A Republican Colorado state Senate candidate is facing a felony charge after authorities say his young children were left unattended at a resort pool in Key West, leading to a near-drowning incident involving his 4-year-old daughter.
What Happened
According to police, Frederick Alfred Jr., 38, a candidate for Colorado’s Senate District 21 seat, was arrested Monday night after an incident at a Florida resort.
Investigators say Alfred left his two children, ages 6 and 4, alone near a pool area while he went to a nearby bar.
- The situation escalated when the 6-year-old boy sought help from another guest.
- The child reportedly said his younger sister was struggling in the water.
- A bystander pulled the girl from the pool, finding her unconscious and foaming at the mouth.
Emergency calls were placed around 7:34 p.m., and the bystander began CPR until first responders arrived.
Timeline Under Scrutiny
Authorities have not confirmed how long the children were left alone.
Alfred told officers he had stepped away for about five minutes, claiming he left the children in a hot tub. However, investigators say the sequence of events suggests the absence may have been longer.
Key points under review:
- Witness statements describing the timeline
- Surveillance footage from the resort
- A receipt showing Alfred purchased drinks during the time in question
According to police, Alfred showed clear signs of intoxication at the scene.
Investigators also obtained a bar receipt indicating he had purchased two cocktails, including a cannabis-infused beverage.
Authorities say that purchase occurred while his children were left alone near the pool.
Alfred was taken into custody at the scene and later booked into the Monroe County jail.
Children’s Condition
First responders reported that:
- The 4-year-old regained consciousness at the scene and appeared stable
- The 6-year-old had swallowed pool water while attempting to help his sister
Both children were taken to Lower Keys Medical Center after initial hesitation from Alfred, who officers say resisted hospital transport before eventually agreeing.
Medical personnel warned of possible delayed complications from water inhalation.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses described a chaotic and frightening scene.
- The 6-year-old boy appeared panicked while searching for help
- He moved quickly through the pool area trying to find an adult
- A nearby guest responded and intervened in time
Their actions are credited with preventing a more serious outcome.
Arrest and Charges
Officers say Alfred returned to the pool area minutes later with a drink in hand — where responders alleged he reeked of alcohol.
He was taken into custody and now faces:
- Felony child neglect, a charge that carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to piece together the exact timeline of events, focusing on how long the children were left unattended and how quickly the situation deteriorated.
No additional charges have been announced at this time.
Alfred, who resides in Commerce City, Colorado, is currently running for a state senate seat in a district north of Denver. He is the sole Republican candidate in the race.
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Gotta get that drink…
If this guy can’t take care of his own children, who he is supposed to love and take care of without fail, how is he expected to handle anything else?……. especially a seat in our government’s highest office.
Again I write; I personally don’t care which political party a person is in.
If that person doesn’t follow proper and morally acceptable procedures … that person is NOT who we want in our governmental system.
Those kids are way too young to be left alone!
If we can’t expect him to take care of his own kids, why should we expect him to take care of our country?
This doesn’t mean that the father is necessarily a bad person … it means that he is just too careless.
I don’t want a careless person to be in charge of our tax money. Our taxes are already WAY too high!
Our tax money is to be used for American security, and other such reasons.
Not for a ‘slush fund’!
Some people should not be allowed to have children.