Laela Alvarez, the 14-year-old girl reported missing last week, has been found safe and is now back with her family. The Alameda County Sheriff's Office confirmed her safe return in an update, although details on how or where she was found have not been immediately released.

Before her disappearance, Alvarez was last seen in the Castro Valley neighborhood on April 8. The Sheriff's Office had to quickly mobilize an appeal to the public, urging anyone with information to promptly step forward and assist in locating the missing teen. Per Hoodline Oakland, the office voiced deep concern for her safety and made her descriptions known — long brown hair, hazel eyes, a little over five feet tall, last spotted wearing a pink hoodie, blue jeans, and black shoes.

Known haunts for the teenager included Adobe Skate Park and Castro Village Shopping Center, and reports indicated she was conversant with public transportation systems. Although she had her cell phone, authorities noted she had no money at the time of her disappearance.

The plea for public aid seemed to have helped locate Laela, as the Sheriff's Office took quickly to Facebook to announce her safe return. "We are happy to report that Laela Alvarez has been safely located and reunited with family," the post read, a slice of good news that surely brought her community and family immense relief. They particularly emphasized her safety in the brief update on the Facebook page.

The Alameda County Sheriff's Office has expressed gratitude towards the public for their assistance and vigilance in ensuring the safe return of one of their young residents.