The Gist: A Georgia mom was arrested on Wednesday afternoon in Tennessee after witnesses reported her attempting to drown a child and then driving her car into a lake. The suspect, Jessica Upton faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse.
The Details: According to local media sources, at around 2 p.m., Vonore Police arrived at the SeaRay boat factory following reports of a disturbing incident. Witnesses claim that Upton bypassed the SeaRay security gate and was observed inside her car forcing a child to inhale marijuana smoke and consume alcohol.
Employees at SeaRay intervened when Upton took the child into the lake and held her underwater. Upton then fled the scene, driving her car into the adjacent MasterCraft boat company parking lot and subsequently into Tellico Lake. She managed to swim to shore and was later apprehended.
In Context: Upton had reportedly been acting erratically for two days prior to the incident. The child was told she was going to New York to stay with her grandmother. Before arriving at the SeaRay factory, Upton threw away the child’s clothing at a nearby car wash.
What’s Next: Upton is currently in custody and facing serious charges. Further investigation is underway to understand the full scope of the incident and to ensure the child’s well-being.
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