The Lincoln Police Department arrested a 41-year-old woman on Monday, March 16, 2026, following reports of a child being abused at Markham Ravine Park. Suzanne Buhler of Lincoln was booked on felony child abuse charges after witnesses provided video evidence of the incident to responding officers.
Police said the investigation began after a reporting party contacted law enforcement to request a welfare check, stating they witnessed a young child being abused multiple times by an adult female. Two witnesses followed the suspect to a Lincoln residence while officers initiated the probe.
The victim, an almost 2-year-old girl, had visible injuries consistent with the reported assault. The child’s mother informed CBS Sacramento that she had hired Buhler in January through care.com to provide childcare services.
According to the victim’s mother, a landscaper at the park heard the child screaming and began recording the encounter. The mother stated that Buhler “pushed her down the slide, punched her in her stomach and slapped her across the face.” CBS Sacramento reported.
Following the arrest, the child was provided with medical assistance and has been reunited with her family. The Lincoln Police Department stated that protecting children is a top priority and they will pursue a thorough investigation to hold offenders accountable.
Investigators have determined that Buhler advertised nanny services on various internet sites and apps prior to this incident. Authorities believe she may have provided childcare to other families in the region. The Lincoln Police Department Investigations division has requested that anyone with relevant information regarding Buhler’s previous employment contact them at 916-645-4047.