The Amber Alert issued for a missing two-year-old boy abducted from Oakland, California, has been canceled after the child was found safe late Saturday evening. Authorities located the boy in Stockton, nearly 70 miles away, less than 24 hours after the alert was issued, bringing a swift and reassuring end to a case that had sparked widespread concern across the Bay Area.

The child, identified as Jalen Brooks, was taken during a custody dispute that escalated unexpectedly on Friday afternoon. According to Oakland police, Jalen was visiting his maternal grandmother’s home in the Fruitvale neighborhood when an argument broke out between his mother and the boy’s father. Witnesses say the father, 28-year-old Derrick Brooks, forcibly placed Jalen in a vehicle and fled the scene without notifying any legal guardians.

Immediately after the abduction, the family contacted police, and officers began an emergency search. Within hours, the California Highway Patrol activated the state’s Amber Alert system, citing credible information that the child was in imminent danger. Descriptions of the suspect’s car — a silver 2016 Nissan Altima — and his license plate were broadcast via digital highway signs, media outlets, and mobile alerts.

The abduction sent shockwaves through the local community. Jalen’s family released an emotional plea to the public, urging anyone with information to come forward. “Please help us find Jalen,” his grandmother said at a press briefing on Saturday morning. “We are terrified for him, and we just want him home safe.”

Law enforcement agencies across Northern California coordinated efforts overnight, reviewing traffic camera footage, interviewing potential witnesses, and pursuing leads. Social media was quickly flooded with shares of Jalen’s photo and information about the vehicle involved. The case garnered national attention, with high-profile figures and child advocacy groups amplifying the alert.

A critical breakthrough came around 6:30 p.m. Saturday, when an anonymous tipster called the Stockton Police Department to report a vehicle matching the Amber Alert description parked outside an apartment complex on the city’s east side. Officers arrived minutes later and found the car unoccupied. After canvassing the area, they located Derrick Brooks and Jalen inside one of the apartment units.

Jalen was examined by medical personnel at the scene and later taken to a local hospital as a precaution. Doctors determined he was in good physical condition and showed no signs of injury or trauma. “He was calm, alert, and appeared well cared-for,” said Dr. Anika Shah, the pediatrician who assessed him. “It’s a tremendous relief to see him healthy and safe.”

Derrick Brooks was taken into custody without resistance. He now faces multiple charges, including felony child abduction, violating a custody order, and endangering the welfare of a child. Court records reveal that Brooks does not have legal custody of Jalen and was previously ordered by a family court to participate in supervised visitation due to past behavioral concerns.

Investigators are now working to determine whether Brooks planned the abduction in advance and if others were involved in helping him elude authorities. “We are conducting a full investigation,” said Oakland Police Lt. Marisol Vega. “Our top priority was Jalen’s safety, and now that he is safe, we will ensure that the responsible party is held accountable.”

The Amber Alert was officially canceled at 7:45 p.m., with authorities confirming Jalen’s safe recovery. News of the boy’s rescue quickly spread through the community, triggering celebrations from family, neighbors, and those who had helped spread the word. “This is what the system is meant to do,” said Lt. Vega. “When time is critical, and every eye and ear makes a difference, the Amber Alert can save lives.”

Legal experts say the case highlights the continued challenges of custody enforcement and the importance of prompt communication between law enforcement and the public. “Unfortunately, abductions by a non-custodial parent are more common than people think,” said attorney Nina Patel, who specializes in family law. “These situations can escalate rapidly, and having mechanisms like Amber Alerts in place is essential to ensuring a safe outcome.”

In the wake of the incident, advocacy groups are urging policymakers to revisit legislation around custodial enforcement, particularly in cases involving a history of conflict or instability. “There need to be stronger safeguards and faster interventions when a parent has shown a pattern of high-risk behavior,” said Kelly Moreno, director of the California Child Safety Network.

Jalen has since been reunited with his mother and is receiving support from social workers and child psychologists to help him process the event. His family has expressed gratitude to law enforcement, medical staff, and the broader community. “We are overwhelmed with emotion,” said his mother in a written statement. “Thank you to everyone who didn’t look away. Thank you for bringing my son home.”

While the case has concluded positively, it serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance and coordinated response. “This could have ended very differently,” said Lt. Vega. “But because people paid attention, acted quickly, and came together, a little boy is safe tonight.”

Residents of both Oakland and Stockton are now reflecting on the role community awareness played in the case’s resolution. Local businesses, schools, and community centers have pledged to provide additional resources on child safety, family support services, and legal education to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

As for Jalen, family members say he’s already smiling again, playing with his toys and surrounded by the people who love him most. In a world where stories of child abductions often end in heartbreak, this one — thanks to swift action, public vigilance, and a little luck — ends with hope.