GRAMERCY — Two missing North Carolina teenagers are in the process of being reunited with their family Tuesday following an overnight collaborative effort between Louisiana State Police and law enforcement authorities in Winston-Salem, N.C.

The 15-year-old male and 13-year-old female siblings were found in the company of their uncle, 40-year-old Jose Melchor of Clemmons, N.C., while being unlawfully taken out of the country.

The search for the two missing teens in Louisiana began shortly after 10 p.m. Monday as Louisiana State Police Troop B was contacted by the Winston-Salem Police Department in reference to the abduction.

Investigative efforts led authorities to believe Melchor was traveling west on Interstate 10 through the New Orleans area while possibly headed to Mexico. Upon receiving the information, Troopers immediately took positions along the interstate route and successfully located the group traveling in a 2004 Nissan pickup near the St. James and St. John the Baptist Parish Line.

Both children were found to be unharmed, and Melchor was taken into custody without incident.

Melchor was subsequently booked into the St. James Parish Jail on two felony counts of child abduction. He is currently waiting on extradition to North Carolina.

The children were taken to a safe location and plans to reunite them with family members are being coordinated today.

“Once again strong working relationships with our public safety partners from across the country has led to the successful and safe resolution of a dangerous situation,” State Police Superintendent Colonel Mike Edmonson said. “Two children will soon be back in the arms of their loved ones due to the proactive and vigilant police work of our Troopers. I am continually proud of our agency’s accomplishments and dedication to public safety in Louisiana.”