Missing mother is found swimming in Phoenix

A mother of two who disappeared last week was found in Phoenix on Tuesday where she was found illegally swimming in an irrigation canal.

Melissa Jo Lindstrom-Harnit, 35, was reported missing July 24 after a hired caregiver arrived at her Riverside home to find her 8-year-old autistic son and 1-year-old daughter unattended, said Riverside police spokesman Steven Frasher. The daughter was bleeding from numerous cuts.

Lindstrom-Harnit was spotted climbing into the Grand Canal of the Salt River Project irrigation system and was arrested for trespassing in the canal. Authorities later prepared an arrest warrant for Lindstrom-Harnit on suspicion of child abuse and neglect.

Anyone with information is asked to call Riverside Police Det. Julian Hutzler at (951) 353-7125.