Police: Woman Drives Car into Hanover Pond in Suicide Attempt

Meriden Police say a 20-year-old woman attempted suicide early Saturday by driving her car into Hanover Pond.

The woman apparently was rescued by two male acquaintances who grabbed boards and smashed out the car's rear windshield, according to police. The unidentified woman was receiving psychiatric treatment on Saturday, police said.

Here is the account of the incident at the pond at Camp and Meadow streets, according to a statement issued by Sgt. Darrin McKay:

"On Saturday April 5, 2014, at approximately 6 a.m., the Meriden Police received a phone call at which time the caller indicated that they saw what they believed to be a vehicle submerged in the water at Hanover Pond. On arrival, officers observed a vehicle almost completely submerged with only the roof of the car visible in the water. A first check revealed that there were no occupants inside of the car; however, the rear window was completely smashed out and the front windshield was also shattered but still intact.

"At this time it appeared as if the vehicle may have been involved in an accident prior to its ending up in the water. Since our first concern was to determine if anyone was still in the water, the Meriden Fire Department responded to the scene at which time they did a thorough search of the water utilizing S.C.U.B.A. gear. In doing so it was determined that nobody had drowned as a result.

"As our detectives began working this investigation information developed that ultimately led them to the female who had been driving the car. It was at that time we eventually determined that this incident was in fact an attempted suicide. The 20 year old female victim had been the only one in the car when she drove it into the water; however, she did have two male acquaintances with her that were not in the car when she drove it into the water. These two males then entered the water and used a couple of boards that were on the ground nearby in order to smash out the cars windows and rescue the female victim.

"At this time the female victim (whose identity will not be released) is receiving psychiatric treatment and she is safe at this time."

A message seeking additional information was left for McKay Saturday afternoon.