They were looking for a Christmas tree in NorCal and found a half-naked kidnapping victim

Police are seeking Fred Sanderson, 44, in the suspected kidnapping of a 25-year-old Redding woman on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017. The kidnapping victim was found Monday by a group of people searching for a Christmas tree in the woods of Shasta County. less Police are seeking Fred Sanderson, 44, in the suspected kidnapping of a 25-year-old Redding woman on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017. The kidnapping victim was found Monday by a group of people searching for a Christmas ... more Photo: Redding Police Department Photo: Redding Police Department Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close They were looking for a Christmas tree in NorCal and found a half-naked kidnapping victim 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

A group set off into the woods of Shasta County looking for a Christmas Tree Monday night. Instead they found a half-naked woman who claims she was kidnapped, the Redding Police Department said Wednesday.

The unnamed victim, a 25-year-old Redding resident, told investigators she had been forcibly taken near Mistletoe Lane and Victor Avenue in Redding Sunday afternoon. The woman said two acquaintances – Redding residents Johanna Knighten, 33, and Fred Sanderson, 44 – physically assaulted her before dropping her at a remote location about six miles from Highway 44, where the victim says she was forced to remove her clothing save for a pair of shorts.







According to officials, the woman spent the night in a tree hollow and drank water from a muddy puddle to survive the snow and freezing temperatures. When the Christmas tree hunters found her the next day, the victim was disoriented and suffering from exposure, police said.

The victim was being treated at a Redding area hospital, police said. She told investigators that the suspects believed she had stolen narcotics from Sanderson.

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Police apprehended Knighten on Tuesday. She was allegedly driving the same white van used in the kidnapping. She was booked at Shasta County Jail on charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and conspiracy.

Sanderson remained at-large as of Wednesday, police said. Authorities ask those with information regarding the incident or whereabouts of Sanderson contact the Redding Police Department at (530) 225-4200.

Michelle Robertson is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @mrobertsonsf.