Hampton Woman Arrested On Charges After Car Fire On Exeter Road

HAMPTON, NH — Hampton police arrested a woman on charges after motor a vehicle fire Thursday on Exeter Road.

Around 3:45 a.m., police and firefighters were sent to Exeter Road near Timber Swamp Road for a report of a vehicle fire. When they arrived, they found a 1997 Pontiac Firebird, "fully engulfed in flames," according to Lt. Alex Reno of the Hampton Police Department.

"It was determined that the vehicle was unoccupied at the time," he said. "After a period of time, officers found footprints leading from the vehicle toward the wooded area just south of the fire."

Police followed the footsteps and while doing so, a woman, Alicia Leonardi, 38, of Ashworth Avenue in Hampton, emerged from the woods, according to police. Reno accused her of making several false statements about another person being the operator of the vehicle. However, officers later "developed probably cause" to believe she was the driver of the vehicle, a report said. A check of her license found that it was suspended after she was convicted on a driving after suspension charge in August in Hampton District Court.

Leonardi was arrested on driving after suspension or revocation-subsequent and false reports to law enforcement charges. She was released on personal recognizance bail and is due in Hampton District Court on Feb. 16, 2021.

Reno said New Hampshire State Police also assisted police and firefighters with the case.

Editor's note: This post was derived from information supplied by Hampton Police Department and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the removal request process for New Hampshire Patch police reports.

Got a news tip? Send it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella's YouTube.com channel or Rumble.com channel.