October 21, 2023 - Madera County Sheriff's Office officials report that law enforcement personnel from multiple local agencies investigated a child abduction case in Oakhurst.

At around 12:30 P.M. on Friday, October 20, 2023, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a woman stating her vehicle had been stolen with her 2-year-old child in the backseat. The SUV was taken in the parking lot of a business at CA-41 and Road 426.

The SUV was involved in a pursuit with Deputies which ended in the area of Manzanita Lake and Road 222 in North Fork when the subject bailed into nearby brush.

The child was found abandoned on the side of the road. They were evaluated by medical personnel and reunited with the mother.

Deputies then searched for the suspect. He was described as a white male adult, wearing a brown jacket, green pants, and sunglasses.

Following an hours long search, the suspect in this case was identified as Chase Williams of Oakhurst. The suspect was located and taken into custody by MCSO Deputies.

Sheriff Tyson Pogue remarks, “Today’s arrest is a prime example of effective law enforcement collaboration and commitment to justice. I commend our MCSO team and law enforcement partners for ensuring the safety and peace of mind of our community.”

If anyone has information relating to this incident, please contact (559) 675-7770.

Source: Madera County Sheriff's Office