UPDATED 3/11 8:22AM | Amber Alert suspect Sri Ann Johnston was charged with kidnapping Monday afternoon, just hours after she was taken into custody along with her missing son in Oceanside, authorities say. 

According to Long Beach police, Johnston originally went missing with her 12-year-old son Nicholas on Thursday when she did not drop him off at his Long Beach school after a mid-week visitation. The custodial parent, Nicholas’ father, believing that she would return the boy home, did not report Nicholas missing to law enforcement until Friday night. 

Throughout the weekend, police began a thorough search of the city for the missing child, though the incident did not at first meet Amber Alert criteris as there was nothing to substantiate any risk of physical harm to the child. On Monday, detectives say they provided the Los Angeles District Attorney with additional information which prompted the California Highway Patrol to issue an Amber Alert at around 1:30PM. 

By 2:30PM, Nicholas and his mother were located in the 2700 block of Vista Way in Oceanside by the U.S. Marshall’s Fugitice Task Force. Sri Johnston was taken into custody where she was charged with one count each of kidnapping and child custody deprivation. Nicholas was returned to his father. 

If convicted as charged, Sri faces a maximum sentence of 13 years and eight months in state prison.

ORIGINAL 3/10 1:31PM | Authorities today issued an Amber Alert for a woman accused of abducting her 12-year-old son in Long Beach on March 6. 

The missing boy has been identified as Nicholas Johnston, who is described as white, 4’8″, 80 pounds with blond hair and blue eyes.

The suspect has been identified by the CHP as Sri Johnston, 49, who is 5’1″, 125 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. She is believed to be driving a tan, four-door Saturn with California plate 4AUU679.

Long Beach police were not immediately available to provide particulars on the alleged kidnapping. More information as it becomes available.

If seen or located, please contact the Long Beach Police Department at (562) 570-9650