A woman missing from her Harford County home for nearly 16 hours was found last night in a heavily wooded area near her residence and was being treated for minor injuries at a county hospital, said a spokesman for the Sheriff's Department.

Sgt. Edward Hopkins, the spokesman, said a bloodhound and its handler, searching dense woods near the residence of Nancy E. Ponicki, 41, of the 3600 block of Bay Road in Street, found her about 10: 45 p.m., lying in underbrush about 300 yards from her home.

It was not immediately known how long Ponicki had been there, or how far she had wandered before being found.

Hopkins said Ponicki, who was barefoot when found, appeared to have suffered only scratches and bruises. She was taken to her home and then to Fallston General Hospital for treatment, he said.

Hopkins said Ponicki was last seen by her husband and son about 11 p.m. Saturday in their home and was reported missing about noon yesterday.

Hopkins said Ponicki has been ill with a virus and may have become disoriented yesterday morning and entered the dense and hilly woods near her home. He said a cup believed to be used by her that contained iced tea was found in the woods by searchers, who began looking for her about 1 p.m.

During the search, Hopkins said, police divers searched three ponds in the area, fearing she may have fallen in and drowned.

Pub Date: 8/24/98