Alert gas station attendant helps police find missing Fairfield family

PINOLE, Calif. - An alert gas station employee helped reunite a missing Fairfield family with loved ones Thanksgiving morning. 

Barbie Liden, an employee at a Shell gas station on Fitzgerald Drive in Pinole, told KTVU that she had just received an alert on her phone regarding the missing family when they walked into her store about 9:30 a.m. 

"Amber Alert came across my phone and showed a pic of the lady and two kids," Liden said. "Two minutes later, she walked in the door and asked if she could use the restroom." 

The "she" was Sandra Young, 75, of Fairfield, and her two grandchildren, ages 7 and 9. Young has been caring for her grandchildren since their parents died in a car crash.  

Young's siter had reported them missing since Sunday.

Fairfield police Lt. Jausiah Jacobsen said the department would not provide any additional information about the whereabouts or activities of the grandmother and the two children over the past four days. 

"It's Thanksgiving," Jacobsen said. "Please give the family the space they need and enjoy this holiday for what it is, thankfulness and family."