SUSPECTED INFANT ABDUCTION BY FAMILY MEMBER: SUSPECT MAY BE IN LAKESIDE AREA

April 5, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – A search is underway for a woman suspected of abducting a 3-week-old baby, her niece, from the 9100 block of  Valencia Street in Spring Valley, the Sheriff’ s office has confirmed. 

The suspect, Deborah Fowler, 46, may be in Lakeside. A black SUV belonging to the suspect was found abandoned on Vine Street.  Deputies have been searching along the San Diego Riverbed including transient camps.

According to ECM news partner 10 News, the child's grandmother has custody of the infant, Anissa Von Goerlitz. She told deputies she awoke after a nap around 11:30 to find the child missing and believed the three-week-old baby may have been taken without permission by an aunt. The aunt's vehicle was seen in Lakeside.

The ASTREA making announcements overhead. Volunteers with Sheriff's Search and Rescue are also on scene along with deputies from the Lemon Grove and Santee Stations. K-9s from the Border Patrol are also helping with the search.

"Our priority is to check the welfare of the child and make sure she is okay," a release issued by the Sheriff this evening states.

If you see Fowler, do not approach her. Call the Sheriff's Department at (858) 565-5200 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

ECM reporter Nadin Abbott is en route to the scene. Watch for updates soon.