Woman faces charges of child abuse for allegedly attempting to drown her young daughter and nephew. An incident occurred at Will Rogers Family Aquatic Center in June, leading to the charges.
According to authorities, the woman allegedly submerged the children’s faces underwater, putting their lives at risk. Fortunately, lifeguards and other visitors were able to intervene and rescue them.
On June 27, 2024, two children were discovered floating facedown in the water during a busy day at the pool.
“Lifeguards jumped into action with the help of a patron as well, and got those kids out of the water,” said Mason Williams, Unit Operations Supervisor for the City of Oklahoma City.
Both the 4-year-old girl and the 6-year-old boy managed to survive. However, a follow-up investigation lasting two months revealed unsettling evidence suggesting that this incident was not simply a tragic accident.
Flor Ontiveros, the mother of the girl, and the aunt of the boy, has been arrested and is now facing charges of child abuse by injury.
According to court documents, it was reported that during a visit to the Will Rogers Family Aquatic Center, Ontiveros engaged in inappropriate behavior with the children, resulting in them losing consciousness.
According to witnesses at the pool, the woman submerged her nephew’s entire body and head underwater. According to the police report, several individuals raised their voices, urging her to cease. During the incident, Ontiveros appeared to be in a calm and composed state, with a smile on his face.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the little girl confirmed during a forensic interview that her mother had pushed her face underwater. According to the court document, she described her experience as having her “eyes open” and “breathing water.”
During an interview with Ontiveros, police say she strongly denied any involvement, but later admitted that it was a possibility.
Both children received medical care at the hospital. An investigation by the Department of Human Services is currently underway. Ontiveros is currently being held at the Oklahoma County Detention Center with a bond set at $250,000.