2 Kids Die After Being Pulled From Kankakee River, Man Arrested

SCHNEIDER, IN — A Thayer man is in police custody after two children were pulled from the Kankakee River Tuesday near Schneider, both dying less than two hours later at a local hospital. The Times reported the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said a report came in at 5:15 p.m. of the incident in which two children were in danger of drowning. They were both found in the LaSalle Fish and Wildlife Area near the Newton County and Lake County Line, according to the news report.

According to the Lake County Coroner's Office, Levi Patillo, 4, of DeMotte, was pronounced dead at 6:49 p.m. at Franciscan Health Crown Point, however there wasn't any information available on the second child.

More:

• 3 Boys Die After Being Pulled From Lake Michigan

The Times said Eric J. Patillo, 34, of Thayer, is being held on two counts of neglect of a dependent resulting in death, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Department, adding that Sheriff Oscar Martinez couldn't confirm whether the man and 4-year-old were related though they have the same last name. The sheriff's department and DNR are both investigating the incident.

Image via Renee Shiavone