Amber Alert
Canceled Saturday August 31st 6PM PDT.
Cierra Walden
Cierra Rose Walden was found just after 8 a.m. Saturday by the California Highway Patrol at a rest stop near Buckman Springs along Interstate 8. The CHP got a tip from two off-duty correctional officers who recognized the car being sought and blocked it with their vehicle and a boat trailer.

Cierra had been abducted by her mother, Pamela Walden, who police believe is mentally unstable, Sgt. Sgt. Bill Maxwell said.

Walden and her daughter fled in a 1999 blue Hyundai Accent after the Department of Human Services supervisor "was distracted," Maxwell said.

The alleged abduction occurred around 4:10 p.m. outside the human services building at 100 E. California Ave. Maxwell said he didn't know what distracted the supervisor.

Pamela Walden was arrested on Aug. 21 for her own protection and remained in a mental health facility until a few days ago, Maxwell said.

"She was walking out in traffic and making some odd statements about her daughter and about herself," he said. "Given mom's recent mental history ... it makes us concerned for the daughter."

About a month ago, Pamela Walden lost legal custody of her daughter and the child was placed in foster care, Maxwell said.

Cierra has been returned safely to Kern County (CA) child protective services.

Credits: Michael Stetz, San Diego Union Tribune and The Bakersfield Californian.