Infant Located Safely Following Monday’s Amber Alert, Mother in Custody

A 10-month-old child was located Monday afternoon, March 31, after an Amber Alert was issued in Northern Nevada. The child was found safe, after allegedly being taken that morning by a non-custodial parent, prompting a multi-agency response and public search effort.

According to law enforcement, the child was taken around 8 a.m. on March 31 by Chelsea Daniels, who authorities identified as the child's biological mother. Daniels does not have custodial rights and was believed to be armed at the time. The Amber Alert indicated that Daniels left the area in a black 2006 Ford Explorer with Nevada license plate 714S57.

Churchill County Sheriff Richard Hickox confirmed the abduction and the activation of the Amber Alert shortly after it began circulating through state notification systems and local cell networks around 2:15 p.m. on Monday. 

Following the alert, law enforcement agencies received several citizen tips about vehicles matching the general description of the suspect's SUV. One report indicatd a black Ford SUV at Lahontan Elementary School matching the description, prompting an immediate lockdown while officers investigated. The vehicle was determined not to be involved.

Another tip provided a possible location for the suspect's vehicle, consistent with earlier cellphone pings from Daniels' phone. Patrol and Investigations Units from the Churchill County Sheriff's Office were already in the area and soon observed a black Ford Explorer traveling down a mountain road.

A marked patrol unit attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver did pull over. Deputies activated emergency lights and sirens and followed the SUV until it stopped. Daniels was taken into custody at the scene. The child was found unharmed inside the vehicle.

At approximately 3 p.m., both Daniels and the child were confirmed safe. In a statement, local officials thanked the community for its vigilance and the information provided by residents, which they said contributed significantly to the resolution of the case.

"We are grateful for the citizens who called in with sightings and information," said Sheriff Hickox. "The successful resolution of this situation is a prime example of a collaborative effort by many agencies striving toward one goal—and that is the safety of the public."

He also acknowledged the assistance of several partner agencies, including the Fallon Police Department, Nevada Department of Public Safety, Nevada Division of Wildlife, Nevada Highway Patrol, and Banner EMS.

"I am beyond grateful that this little boy is safe and that this situation was resolved peacefully and quickly," Hickox said.

Deputies booked Daniels on multiple charges following her arrest. Fallon Police Department charged her with first-degree kidnapping and child abuse or neglect for alleged offenses committed within the city's jurisdiction. She also faces charges from the Churchill County Sheriff's Office, including child abuse or neglect and failure to stop on the signal of law enforcement.