Mother charged with neglect after driving car into reservoir in Portsmouth

Portsmouth police have arrested a woman after driving her vehicle into water with her three children inside.

According to Deputy Chief of Police Major Michael Arnold, on June 28th at approximately 3:00 p.m., the Portsmouth RI Police were called to the Lawton Valley Reservoir for a report of a vehicle that had become submerged in the water. Upon arrival it was determined that a 30-year-old female, identified as Amanda Nappi was operating a 2007 Toyota Highlander and had gained access to the reservoirs embankment. The vehicle then went into the reservoir’s waterway.

Nappi, of Milford, Massachusetts was accompanied by her three young children. At that time, all of the occupants were taken to a local hospital as a precaution. The children were later turned over to Massachusetts Department of Children and Families with the assistance of Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families.

Nappi was later released from the hospital and taken into custody on three counts of cruelty to or neglect of child. Nappi was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace and processed at the Portsmouth Police Department.

Nappi failed to post bail and was taken to the Women’s Adult Correctional Institution in Cranston RI.