(MURFREESBORO)   A father accused of choking his 2-month-old son Tuesday (12/15/2020) at their Farmbrook Court home was charged with attempted murder and child abuse after deputies revived the baby. 

Detective Patty Oeser said, "As deputies entered the home, they found 37-year old Roger Dewayne Watts allegedly choking the baby."

While deputies were trying to rescue the baby, Watts let go with one hand and the mother grabbed the baby.

Oeser noted, “The baby was lifeless and blue.” 

Sheriff’s Cpl. Scott Martin started CPR until the baby took a breath and cried. He handed the baby to the mother and rejoined other deputies to subdue the father.

After Deputy David Ashburn arrived for back up, the baby stopped breathing again and Ashburn performed first aid until he began breathing.

Rutherford County Fire & Rescue firefighters took the baby and gave him to arriving paramedics from Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services who began life-saving treatment. The baby was treated at Ascension St. Thomas Hospital, then transferred to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville.

Sgt. Bryant Gregory said deputies were in the neighborhood after receiving a call a man later identified as Watts removed his clothes and left the items in the street. While searching for him, they received the call about the baby.

“Watts was on top of his 2-month-old infant with his hands around its throat,” Gregory reported.

The father, who was extremely combative, was secured by deputies.

Roger Dewayne Watts was booked into Rutherford County Adult Detention Center on charges of attempted murder, child abusen as well as resisting arrest. He is being held on $306,000 bond. A hearing is set Feb. 9, 2020 in General Sessions Court.