Update: FBI: Missing Girl Found Abduction NOT a Kidnapping

The male suspect who had been sought has been identified and interviewed while the investigation continues. The girl, who was reported missing the night of September 14, was found alive the next day at a trading post in Red Valley, Arizona. The FBI is working with the San Juan County Sheriff's Office and Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety on this investigation.

From the FBI

Friday, September 24, 2021

*Update*

An FBI investigation has determined that the reported abduction of a 13-year-old girl in Kirtland, N.M., on September 14 was not a kidnapping.

The male suspect who had been sought has been identified and interviewed while the investigation continues.

"We and our law enforcement partners are still sorting out what happened, but we spare no resources when we get a report that a child may be in danger," Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI Albuquerque Division said. "I want to thank the special agents and staff in our Farmington Resident Agency for the hours they spent on this case. I also want to express our gratitude to the public for the information they sent us and to the media for helping us get the word out."

The girl, who was reported missing the night of September 14, was found alive the next day at a trading post in Red Valley, Arizona.

The FBI is working with the San Juan County Sheriff's Office and Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety on this investigation.

 

Thursday, September 16, 2021

*Update*

The FBI today released a sketch of the unidentified suspect in the kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl on Tuesday.

Anyone who recognizes this individual or knows his whereabout is asked to call the FBI at 505-889-1300 or use tips.fbi.gov.

 

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

The FBI and San Juan County Sheriff's Office are looking for a man suspected of kidnapping a 13-year-old girl in Kirtland, N.M.

The girl, who was reported missing Tuesday night, was found alive at a trading post in Red Valley, Ariz., on Wednesday at approximately 7:30-7:45 a.m.

The suspect is described as a Native American male in his 30s-40s, approximately 6' tall, with short brown hair. He had no facial hair.

He may be driving a dark colored four-door pickup truck with a bed cover, silver rims, and a 4x4 emblem.

He was last seen at Broken Horn arena/RV Park on County Road 6100 in Kirtland, where he allegedly abducted the girl at approximately 7:30 p.m.

"Law enforcement is actively searching for this suspect, but we need the public's help to bring this perpetrator to justice," said Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the Albuquerque FBI Division. "Anyone with information on this suspect's whereabouts is asked to immediately contact the FBI at 505-889-1300 or report online at tips.fbi.gov."

The Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety is assisting with this investigation.

More from Local News

  • Racing Commission Approves SunRay Move to Clovis

    The move will not affect the 2026 racing season in San Juan County.  Live racing is scheduled for April 17 – May 24, 2026. San Juan County has previously said that McGee Park and the San Juan County Fairgrounds would not be impacted by any changes at the casino and horse racing track.

  • *Update* Arrest Made in Child's Death

     The suspect, John Hannon, the child’s father, was arrested on 2/9/26 on unrelated charges. He was served with the following charges while at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center:

  • 90 Dogs Rescued in Bloomfield

    The rescue effort also received substantial financial support, from various donors. This outside support significantly reduced the financial impact on local resources and ensured the operation did not place a major burden on San Juan County taxpayers.

  • Resident Dies after House Fire N. of Aztec

    Crews arrived to find a structure on fire and the occupant inside.  Despite a quick response from fire crews and efforts by San Juan County Sheriff’s Deputies, one occupant was removed from the structure by firefighters and transported to the hospital by San Juan Regional Medical Center EMS. The occupant was pronounced dead at the hospital.

  • Diné College Selects New President

    Dr. Jackson-Dennison, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation (Diné), brings nearly four decades of experience in educational leadership, with a career dedicated to advancing Indigenous sovereignty, self-determination, and academic excellence. Her leadership reflects a unique ability to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems with Western academic frameworks, a hallmark of her scholarship and professional practice.

  • Lanier Announces 2026 run for NM Governor

    In 2020, Lanier was elected to the San Juan County Commission, and in 2024, he was elected State Senator for New Mexico's 2nd District. 

On KSJE Now:

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 55°F | Low: 25°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 48°F | Low: 18°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 57°F | Low: 23°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 54°F | Low: 21°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 54°F | Low: 28°F