CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) -- Cranston police announced Linda DaLomba, who went missing earlier this week, was found alive inside a parked vehicle on Pond Street, and her caregiver, 43-year-old Roberta Gerard, has been arrested. BACKGROUND: Police still looking for missing autistic woman in Crans ton DaLomba was brought to Rhode Island Hospital for an evaluation. Police Chief Col. Michael Winquist told reporters Sunday afternoon they were called around 12:13 p.m. by a man who said he found DaLomba curled up and laying down in the hatchback area of an SUV. Savong Sam, a mechanic for Cranston's fire department, told 12 News he found DaLomba while going to jumpstart the vehicle, which belongs to a family friend. "I opened the back door, put the jump box down, I looked back and noticed there was a person sleeping, laying down in the back of the vehicle," Sam explained. The car was left unlocked for two weeks while sitting in front of his house, Sam added. The search evolved into a criminal investigation Friday after police said Gerard originally told investigators DaLomba disappeared while she was using the bathroom at the Burlington Coat Factory, but surveillance footage showed neither of them were ever at the store. ALSO READ: Autistic woman’s disappearance now a criminal investigation Courtesy: Cranston Police Department Police were given conflicting statements about DaLomba's whereabouts by her caregiver, according to Winquist. Gerard faces three charges, which are abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult with severe impairment, false report of crime and obstruction of an officer while in the execution of their duty. Winquist said part of police's investigation will be looking into how DaLomba, who they say is nonverbal and autistic, ended up in the vehicle. Seven Hills Rhode Island, who owns a group home that DaLomba lives at, said in a statement they're "so deeply relieved that Linda is safe." "Where this remains an active criminal investigation, we defer to the Cranston Police Department for any additional comment," the organization added. During this search, the FBI, Providence police and R.I. State Police got involved. Police also used K-9 units and a drone to try and find DaLomba. Gerard was released on $5,000 surety bail and is set to be arraigned Monday morning. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media:                     Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less