Missing Merced girls safely located

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Two Merced girls, who have been missing since Monday, were found safe trying to cross the Canadian border on Friday with their mother, authorities said.

Authorities said 11-year-old Liza Martinez and 12-year-old Andrea Martinez were with their mother, Rene Snider, but were reported missing after Snider said she did not plan to bring the girls back to Merced.

Investigators were able to track Snider to South Dakota, and Canadian officials caught up with her at the border and located the two girls. Snider was arrested by Canadian authorities and is expected to be extradited back to Merced. Authorities said the girls will be transported back home in a few days.

Stay with ABC30 for updates.