CRANSTON — A developmentally disabled woman reported missing last week was found alive Sunday inside a parked vehicle, leading to the arrest of her caregiver who allegedly fabricated details about her disappearance.
Linda DaLomba was discovered at approximately 12:13 p.m. lying in the rear hatch area of a Honda Pilot SUV on Pond Street after a resident contacted police.
DaLomba was conscious and alert when found and was immediately transported to Rhode Island Hospital for evaluation.
Authorities believe she may have been inside the vehicle, which had been parked for several weeks, for an extended period.
Roberta Gerard, 43, DaLomba’s caregiver, was arrested at 1:54 p.m. Sunday after police determined she had provided false information about DaLomba’s disappearance.
Gerard initially reported DaLomba missing on Wednesday, March 19, at 3:58 p.m., claiming she last saw her inside Burlington Coat Factory at 2:30 p.m.
After investigators reviewed surveillance footage and conducted further questioning, Gerard admitted to fabricating her story.
She later told police DaLomba went missing from the back of her vehicle at 34-36 North Clarendon Street after she briefly entered her residence to heat food.
The location where DaLomba was found was a short distance from a nail salon Gerard visited before reporting her missing.
Gerard faces charges including abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult with severe impairment, obstruction of an officer in the execution of duty, and false report of a crime.
She was released on $5,000 surety bail and is scheduled for formal arraignment Monday morning in the Third District Court in Warwick.
Multiple agencies including the FBI, State Police, and Providence Police Department participated in the 70-hour search effort.
