Authorities in Vermont are actively searching for a mother who allegedly was under the influence of drugs when her infant daughter tragically drowned in a bathtub.

Briana Arnold, 34, faces serious charges including involuntary manslaughter, child cruelty resulting in death, and narcotics possession, as detailed in her arrest warrants.

The Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations (CUSI), a multi-agency task force dedicated to tackling crimes against children throughout Vermont, is spearheading the search for Arnold.

The tragic event unfolded around 1 p.m. on October 4, 2024, at an apartment located on Main Street in Burlington, as reported by the Burlington Police Department.

On that fateful day, a 911 emergency call reported a drowning incident involving a child. Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered Arnold attempting to administer CPR to her 3-month-old daughter. Paramedics quickly took over the resuscitation efforts as the infant was transported to a nearby hospital, where, unfortunately, she later passed away.

After the child’s death, the case was referred to CUSI and investigators quickly executed a search warrant on the residence, according to the Vermont Daily Chronicle. That search allegedly turned up an open container in the stove in the kitchen, which was later determined to be fentanyl.

Investigators also managed to obtain a sample of the defendant’s blood in order to perform a toxicology test. That test turned up the presence of benzoylecgonine, fentanyl, norfentanyl and methadone, police say.

After an autopsy, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the infant, Sapphira Tanita Perez Sanchez, died by drowning.

Over time, the law enforcement narrative came together.

While under the influence of various narcotics, Arnold left her daughter alone in a bathtub as it was filling with water, police claim.

On Oct. 27, a court signed off on the arrest warrants.

Arnold, for her part, recently made contact with law enforcement and knows about the warrants out in her name but has refused to meet with authorities or turn herself in, CUSI officials claim.

Now, law enforcement is asking for the community’s help with bringing the wanted mother in and encouraging Vermonters to either contact CUSI directly or the local police department.