Article content continued

In an update issued at 11:40 p.m. Friday, police said the woman and child were believed to be in the Calgary area, and switched vehicles to a 2002 Buick Century. The second vehicle belonged to a family member, Emerson said, and police received the information quickly and were able to send out an update with the new licence plate.

The Edmonton police child protection section took over the investigation around 4:30 a.m. and warrants were issued for the mother’s arrest, Emerson said.

At 5:30 a.m. Saturday, police cancelled the Amber Alert, saying the child and his mother were found near Calgary. The boy was unharmed, said police.

An off-duty Calgary Police Service member spotted the boy and his mother while driving, having recognized the licence plate from the updated alert, Emerson said. The officer contacted police and Okotoks RCMP responded and conducted a vehicle stop.

Photo by Edmonton Police Service / Supplied

Brianne Hjalte from Edmonton, 31, was arrested and remains in custody, charged with abduction.

The boy was quickly returned to his father, police said.

Police in the Amber Alert said they believed the boy was in “imminent danger,” which Emerson explained was due to concern for both the well-being of the child and Hjalte.

The boy wasn’t picked up from the school “in a normal fashion,” said Emerson, leaving without a jacket and his outdoor shoes. He also noted there was “a marked change in the communication from the suspect.”

Emerson said several tips were received from the public — including the final piece of information from the off-duty police officer.

“We were able to safely recover this eight-year-old because of this system so we’re very happy to have it and I believe the majority of citizens are more than happy to assist us in those investigations.”

duscook@postmedia.com