Rhode Island mother on probation arrested after her two young children injured in three vehicle crash

A Rhode Island woman who is on probation for child neglect or cruelty was arrested after a multi-vehicle crash that injured two of her young children.

According to Rhode Island State Police, on Friday just after 5:45 p.m., Troopers from the Lincoln Woods Barracks were dispatched to a three-car crash on Route 10 North in the area of Union Avenue. The subsequent investigation revealed that a silver Honda was traveling on Route 10 North and struck a Ford Explorer, this crash caused the Explorer to then strike a blue Nissan.

The operator of the Honda, identified as Stefane Garcia, age 36, of Providence, displayed obvious signs of impairment and failed a series of Field Sobriety Tests administered on scene. She was placed into custody without incident and transported to the Lincoln Barracks. Garcia’s two children, ages six and nine, were passengers in the Honda. They were treated on scene for minor injuries by members of the Providence Fire Department and transported to Hasbro Children’s Hospital. There were no other injuries reported.

Garcia was held overnight pending arraignment on the charges of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol – BAC Unknown (First Offense), Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol with a Passenger Under 13 years of age (two counts), Reckless Driving, and Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test.

Garcia was also presented a probation violator on the original charge of Cruelty to or Neglect of a Child originating from the Middletown Police Department and remanded to Women’s Intake at the ACI. The children were taken into DCYF custody.

Eight others were arrested for DUI on the same evening.