DATE/TIME: 11/20/2024 / 11:26 AM
INCIDENT: Critical Missing Person Located
LOCATION: 6500 Block of Mojave Avenue, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
VICTIM(S): Maria Nieves, 87-year-old Resident of Twentynine Palms
SUMMARY: On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at approximately 11:26 AM, deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Morongo Basin Station, responded to a report of a critical missing person suffering from a cognitive disability in the 6500 block of Mojave Avenue in Twentynine Palms. Maria Nieves was last seen at her residence around 9:30 AM, and her whereabouts were unknown.
San Bernardino County Sheriff's bloodhound K9 Naji and Deputy Nathan Bakker were requested to assist with the search. K9 Naji was deployed near the intersection of Star Dune Avenue and Twentynine Palms Highway, using a pillowcase belonging to Nieves as a scent article. K9 Naji tracked Nieves' scent for 1.2 miles to the intersection of Twentynine Palms Highway and Adobe Road, where Nieves was found by deputies. Deputies returned Nieves to her family unharmed.
Bloodhounds like K9 Naji are used every day across the county, benefitting the citizens of San Bernardino County.
Refer: Deputy G. Estrada, N. Bakker
Station: Morongo Basin Station
Phone No. (760)366-4175
Case No. 202401689
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
