Melodee Buzzard: Mom of missing California 9-year-old not cooperating with investigators

Search for missing at-risk child

Officials are asking for the public's help with finding a missing 9-year-old girl.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - Southern California authorities are asking for the public’s help with finding a missing 9-year-old girl. 

Investigators said her last confirmed sighting was in August.

School administrator reports girl's prolonged absence 

What we know:

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s officials said the case was launched Tuesday after a school administrator reported Melodee Buzzard's prolonged absence. 

When deputies went to the family’s home in the 500 block of Mars Avenue in the Lompoc area, they found her mother, but not the little girl. 

In addition, there was no clear explanation for her whereabouts. 

The department released a photo of Melodee, which authorities said was taken about two years ago. 

Sheriff's officials say mother has been ‘uncooperative’

What they're saying:

In a Friday press release, sheriff's officials said the mother, Ashley Buzzard, has been "uncooperative with investigators."

"Lopoc Unified School District deserves credit for recognizing that something  wasn’t right, reaching out, and continuing to assist with this investigation" said Lieutenant Chris Gotschall from the Criminal Investigations Division. He added, "This important update helps narrow a significant gap in the timeline of when she was last known to be seen and because of that, we’re closer to understanding what happened to Melodee."

What you can do:

Those with information about Melodee’s whereabouts are asked to contact the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office at 805-681-4150. Those who wish to submit tips anonymously can do so online.