3-year-old kidnapped in Nevada County found unharmed in steep canyon, officials say

NEVADA COUNTY – A 3-year-old child who was kidnapped Friday in Nevada County was found unharmed in a steep river canyon, the sheriff's office said.

The California Highway Patrol – Alerts says the Sheriff's Office is searching for Siera Salitrero, 30, after the 3-year-old was abducted around 11:30 a.m. Friday in a incorporated area of ​​Nevada County. An orange alert was issued around 6 a.m. p.m.

The sheriff's office said Salitrero was a suspect in an assault that occurred on N. Bloomfield Road near Grizzly Hill Road. It was near the South Yuba Campground, northeast of Nevada City.

Around 8:45 p.m., the sheriff's office said the child and suspect were found alive at the bottom of a steep canyon. They were found by search and rescue volunteers when they heard noises and cries for help.

The GPS coordinates were shared and CalOES was able to locate them using the FIRIS aircraft. The CHP helicopter responded and transported the child out of the canyon without injury.

Salitrero was being helped out of the canyon by a rope at the time of the last update, the sheriff's office said. She is “physically well”.

It is still unclear how they are related.

Deputies added that there were reports that Salitrero had threatened to harm himself.

The sheriff's office said there were 13 deputies and 35 search and rescue volunteers searching for the suspect and victim.